Commitment is one of the hallmarks of a visionary. That, is a major quality that the Governor of Rivers state, Chief Nyesom Woke has displayed as he piloted the affairs of the state for about seven years now. Indeed, his NEW Vision mantra has left tremendous impression on the landscape of not only Rivers, but the South South region and Nigeria as a whole. The sports sector is one of the areas that the indefatigable governor has left his mark on the sands of time. In fact, he has shown a trait that smacks of Midas touch in sports development and promotion, ensuring that the state is one of the first destinations of choice in sporting considerations. Without any loud advertisement to his disposition towards sports sentimentality prior to becoming a governor, indication that sports would be on the front burner of his administration manifested in his choice of activities for his inauguration. Sports, particularly football was one of the major activities as national team icons and stars like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Adokiye Amiesimaka, Daniel Amokachi and others were brought to Port Harcourt to play and announce the incoming governor at the Sharks FC Stadium. Being a leader with clear vision, he knew that sports is a veritable tool to engage and empower the youth, especially, as there was angst in the land as a result of unfulfilled promises and indebtedness to state’s athletes and club sides. With an unmatched resolve, he saw to it that every indebtedness left behind by the previous administration was settled. Also, having noticed that the maintenance of two top football clubs, Sharks and Dolphins, campaigning in same league was an avoidable baggage that was breeding inefficiency and strain on the state’s purse, he moved to restructure the clubs for maximum result. Both clubs were collapsed into one, now known as Rivers United. Today, the club has been transformed into a serial contender for national honours and a force to be reckoned with in the domestic and contintal arena. At the moment, Rivers United are in pole position to bring the coveted NPFL’s 2021/22 Premier league season’s title home to the state. It is also to the credit of the administration that the state maintains other viable sports clubs, including Rivers Angels Football club and Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club, which have been consistent in chasing glory for the state within and outside the shores of the country. Perhaps, it is in sports infrastructure development that Governor Wike has astounded observers. Barely months in office in his first tenure, the abandoned football stadium of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex was given attention and made worthy of hosting local, national and international football matches. Recently, the main bowl and training pitches were regrassed and other facilities upgraded to the level that the venue serves as home ground for Rivers United’s Nigeria Professional Football League and CAF continental club engagements. The Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, the venue used to host the 1988 National Sports Festival, which had been in a dilapidated state was rehabilitated and given a new lease of life. However, Wike’s flagship infrastructure, as far as sports development in the state is concerned could be said to be the magnificent and world class football academy, the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt. It is a project conceived and delivered on schedule as promised by the governor. Described by many as an ultramodern institution that would have direct and momentous impact on grassroots sports development, the academy is designed to offer to Rivers and Nigerian children the platform to acquire knowledge and be exposed to international standards in sports skills, while combining them with regular academics. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Real Madrid Football Academy, Barr Christopher Green, the institution bequeathed to the state by Wike can measure up to any of its kind anywhere in the world. It boasts excellent facilities that are aimed at weaning young talents through practical and theoretical impartation. Barr Green is of the opinion that any student that passed through the academy should be able to hold his own in the larger society by putting knowledge acquired to use. It is interesting to note that while the academy focuses primarily on football, basketball, other sports and regular academic work are given top attention. At different fora, former Commissioner for Sports in the state, Hon Boma Iyaye has lauded the vision behind the establishment of the academy and its potential impact on the people of the state and beyond. He, at one time declared that the legacy the governor is bequeathing to the state with the academy may not be fully appreciated at the moment but would be seen in time to come. He said that the governor has clearly thought of the future of the immediate generation and others to come in the state. At the moment, the academy is ready to take off after the completion of pending logistics. Wike, apart from investing considerably in infrastructure, has also done so well in promoting and hosting sports events and competitions. It is on record that several national and international competitions have been attracted to the state largely due to the profile and stance of the governor. Among events that have been held at the behest of the governor include the national and international wrestling championships, Africa Badminton Championships, Mini Marathon, national and international football matches. Additionally, the state has considerably partnered stakeholders to keep the golf and polo clubs ticking with events. Overall, Governor Wike has impacted the sports sector and taken development in the sector to the next level. His marks in the annals of history would certainly be indelible and hard to be surpassed.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya