Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Boma Iyaye has said that the state would be ready to partner with companies, organisations and individuals in the promotion and develop-ment of sports in the state.
Iyaye stated this at the presentation of branded tracksuits to Rivers United by the chairman and proprietor of Ottasolo Football Club of Lagos, Mr Gabriel Davids at the conference room of the Ministry of Sports in Port Harcourt, witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo, and Rivers United officials.
He expressed delight over the gesture and reiterated that the Ministry of Sports was very much interested in partnerships, while pointing out that the donation from Ottasolo is a testimony of how Public and Private Partnership (PPP) can work.
The sports commissioner commended Mr Davids for his immense interest in sports development, especially in terms of branding and ownership of a football club, which he says would go a long way in keeping the youth out of social vices.
According to him, “Government cannot do it all alone, our youth will be able to achieve more if we all come together to give them the platform to perform. I can assure that this is a partnership of a lifetime and it will be very rewarding.
“His Excellency, Governor Wike has established a world-class Real Academy in Port Harcourt, the first of its kind in Africa and we are sure that the products of the academy will contribute positively to sports development in Nigeria.
“I want to commend you and your team for participating in the just concluded Gov Wike Pre-Season Football Tournament. I was impressed by the appearance of Ottasolo and I was elated that an individual could promote football this much and it is being professionally managed.
“I will encourage you with all the assistance I can and collaborate with you in terms of exchange of players and in any other areas you deem fit. The sky will be your limit, you are taking our youth to a different level, more grease to your elbow.”
Also speaking, the General Manager of Rivers United, Chief Okey Kpalukwu commended Mr Davids for his gesture, while stressing that he was proud of their performance during the Gov Wike football tournament.
The chairman and proprietor of Ottasolo FC, Mr. Gabriel Davids said he was moved to do the donation owing to the love and camaraderie showed by the sports commissioner upon his arrival in Port Harcourt.
He stressed that he has a passion for football, in addition to owning a company that supplies jerseys and other associated equipment for the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.