Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded the student-players and coaches of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with the sum of N50 million for making the State proud during their recent football tour of the United Kingdom.

Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, announced the reward last Friday while receiving the management and students of the Football Academy at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He commended the team for their discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the tour, noting that despite the challenges encountered on the trip, they returned victorious without any case of misconduct or embarrassment to the State.

He said the Academy, initiated by his predecessor, was designed to groom young talents for whom football could become a lucrative full-time career, stressing that the football economy is even bigger than many conventional corporate organisations.

Fubara said the purpose of sponsoring the UK tour was to expose the students to football at the international level, and expressed delight that some of them were already attracting the attention of foreign football clubs who have reportedly started poaching them for greater opportunities abroad.

While emphasizing that intelligence without character amounts to nothing, the governor said his administration was not only committed to building their football skills but also moulding their character to become responsible citizens and the pride of Rivers State.

He assured that the State Government would address the complaints of poor facilities, insufficient accommodation and all other challenges confronting the Academy, to ensure they study and conduct their trainings in a conducive environment.

Fubara also thanked the local and foreign consultants who led the tour for their efforts, and charged the students to take their academics seriously alongside their football career.

He noted that for many of the students who had never travelled beyond Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the UK tour was a life-changing exposure, making them true ambassadors of Rivers State.

“What we just did here is to give you the opportunity to see what is in football beyond the walls of Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt. It is meant for you to see football at the international level.

“You have made us very proud. On our own part, we will ensure that we give you every support needed for you to excel. I am really proud of you all, not just because of the trophy that you won but your conduct throughout the tour,” the governor said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, commended the governor for sponsoring the tour, describing it as historic and a pacesetter in the country.

Earlier, the Principal of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr (Mrs) Prudence Isaac-Harry, had expressed appreciation to the governor for his vision and “unparalleled magnanimity” in sponsoring the 61 students-athletes and 12 officials on the football tour to the United Kingdom.

The principal noted that the trip provided the students with their very first taste of international football exposure.

According to her, the students did not just participate in soccer duels but displayed tremendous skills that left a great impression on the entire community of Southampton, London.

“We were given a silver trophy for our students’ performances. Thank you, Sir, for showcasing Rivers State’s raw talents to the global stage. This landmark trip has successfully opened windows for further international tournaments, as several top-tier clubs are already extending invitations to the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt,” Isaac-Harry said.

She pledged that the management and students of the Real Madrid Football Academy will continue to bring honour and glory to the State to justify the massive investment the State Government has made on the soccer academy.

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday announced that it has constituted a three-man panel to investigate allegations of financial impropriety following a N100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the Owerri branch.
NBA said the panel would investigate allegations concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the N100 million gift, noting that the process would be orderly and transparent.
President of NBA, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, who set up the panel, explained that probing the branch became imperative following concerns raised by members.
Members of the Owerri branch had dragged the chairman and other members of the executive before the national leadership after they alleged that they couldn’t account for how the N100 million was expended.
The NBA President listed the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh, as members of the probe panel.
“I have constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the N100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.
“This intervention follows concerns raised by members of the branch and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting,” Mrs Badejo-Okusanya said.
She disclosed that the panel would examine financial records of the branch, receive representations from those concerned and submit its findings and recommendations to her office by or before 30th October 2026.
She added, “The committee will attend the Extraordinary General Meeting as my representatives to observe proceedings and support an orderly meeting.
“It is important to emphasise that the constitution of the committee does not amount to a finding against any person.
“Everyone whose conduct is called into question will be given a fair opportunity to respond. All relevant financial records must be preserved and made available to facilitate a thorough examination.
“As President of the Nigerian Bar Association, I remain committed to ensuring that concerns raised by members are addressed through a fair, transparent and orderly process.
“Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the association,” she added.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has described the elevation of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the topmost position in the Nigeria Police Force as a reward for professionalism and commitment to duty during his service as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.

Fubara stated this yesterday when the IGP paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, saying he was particularly happy that the IGP, who left Rivers State after serving during a very difficult and trying period, was returning in a higher capacity.

According to him, the IGP served at the peak of a political crisis in the state, but remained balanced, professional and committed to his constitutional duties.

“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity. Honestly, I feel very happy.

“While he was here as Commissioner of Police, it was at the peak of a crisis, but I can tell you that he did his work not minding the situation. He tried as much as he could to balance all areas. So, I want to thank you for serving us well, and that service is what propelled you to this very exalted position that you occupy today,” Fubara said.

He described the visit of the police chief as a home-coming, noting that once someone has served in a place meritoriously, he becomes part of that place. According to him, posterity will always remember IGP Disu and the role he played during his administration whenever the history of that era is written.

Fubara noted that the IGP has also assumed office at another difficult time for the nation, with the 2027 general elections approaching, and prayed that God would give him the grace to surmount the challenges.

“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing in this country and the one we are about to enter into, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” he said.

He assured the IGP of the continuous support and cooperation of the Rivers State Government in maintaining law and order, and prayed that the IGP would never end in shame but continue to progress to greater glory.

Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said his visit to Rivers State was a way of expressing appreciation to Governor Fubara and the people of the state for their cooperation during his tenure as Commissioner of Police.

The police chief said he was also in Port Harcourt to attend the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force, who he described as a living monument at 94.

He commended the people of Rivers State for allowing peace to reign and thanked Governor Fubara for the support given to him while in office and the continued assistance being rendered to his successor.

The IGP noted that without the cooperation of the state government and the governor, policing would be very difficult, adding that other sister security agencies had also asked him to convey their gratitude to the governor for his support to the security sector in Rivers State.