Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Nigeria's Sports Governor of the Year 2018 award by the Nigerian Sports Awards will spur him to greater achievements in the sporting sector.
Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday after receiving the award from the State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye who represented him at the award ceremony, Governor Wike said that he will continue to support sports at the state and federal level.
He said: "We are happy with this award as it is recognition of our efforts at the development of sports. I dedicate this award to the people of Rivers State ".
The governor said that recently the Rivers State Government supported the hosting of West African Universities Games at the University of Port Harcourt .
He added that the State Government hosting of the African Wrestling Championship boosted the sport across the continent.
Governor Wike said before politics was introduced, Rivers State under his leadership played host to the Super Eagles first World Cup qualification match before the authorities reneged on the agreement for the Garden City to host the matches.
"For them to deem it fit to give us this award, it means that they recognise the efforts of our administration in promoting sports.
"This award shows that Rivers State is doing well in the sporting sector. We shall continue to do well for the good of our state".
Presenting the award to Governor Wike, Sports Commissioner, Mr Boma Iyaye said Governor Wike is one of the greatest pillars of sports development in the country.
He said that the entire country appreciates the wonderful efforts of the governor in the area of sports development.
Last weekend, the Nigerian Sports Award chose Governor Wike ahead of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa .
The organisers of the ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, said that Governor Wike has improved sports through investments and promotion of sporting activities.
Simeon Nwakaudu
