Sports Essential in Recreating Nigeria’s Unity, Says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that sports play the indispensable role in creating the essence of the country.

Addressing the 54th Full Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) In Port Harcourt yesterday , Wike declared that his administration will continue to fund sports because it is vital to social development.

Represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani, Wike said without sports, there would be no united country.

He said: “I believe that you are aware that we have demonstrated our commitment to the development of Sports. “

According to him, the Rivers State Government recognises the pre-eminent role of sports towards the empowerment of the people.

The governor commended Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for rerefining sports journalism to the extent that all Nigerians are proud.

He noted that sport unifies and has a way of creating the true essence of rationalism

President of SWAN, Mr Honour Sirawoo, said the growth of the association depends largely on the support it gets from patrons.

He said the present leadership of SWAN has worked hard to leave legacies that would enhance the quality of sports journalism.

Sirawoo said the meeting will take stock of actions of the SWAN leadership so as to engender further growth.

Guest Lecturer, Prof Peter Esuh in a paper titled: “Sports Development and National Unity”, said sports is a dominant culture that enhance the vibrancy of any society.

Awards were presented to deserving members of the sporting community. The meeting attracted sports writers from across the country.