Gov Fubara promises to prioritise sports, youth development

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has stated that his administration will continue to give priority attention to sports and youth development in Rivers State to promote enterprise and entrepreneurial growth among the youths.

He made the promise at the closing ceremony and presentation of prizes and medals to the winners of Rivers International Marathon 2024, with the theme: ‘Power On, Conquer the Distance’, which took place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The Governor also said that his administration was already committed to youth development by expanding the space and exposing them to a variety of sporting activities to groom potential talents for excellence and attainment of their aspirations.

The governor, who expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event, said the early stage of planning of the marathon was marked by some challenges but the government was encouraged and convinced by the organisers that the event will open doors to economic development in the state.

He said: “When we started the planning, we had a lot is issues, but somehow along the way, we finally agreed and resolved all the bottlenecks, challenges, more especially, finances to host this event.

“But, I can say, on our part as a government and also as host of an event that has never taken place in Rivers State before, we were a bit afar on our part from the organizers.”

Gov. Fubara added: “This is because all they were saying was like, if I could liken it to anything, the cost could even help me renovate a school.
“So, I asked, why should I spend such money for just a marathon? But they convinced us that this event would open the doors economically to the world and for Rivers State.

“And for that reason, we gave them all the support that was needed for it to be a success. And I can say to the glory of God that I am happy that we are here today witnessing it live and direct.”

The governor assured that there would be a second edition, adding that it would be better than the first because observed mistakes would be corrected in order to achieve the desired expectation.

While congratulating the athletes for their performances in the event, he assured that next year’s edition of the marathon would be more successful and glamorous and commended the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green for his bold initiatives and the successes recorded in the sports sector.

In the 45km Elite Race, Gyang Boyi Nyango of Plateau State emerged overall best (male) with 2 hours, 28 minutes, 29 seconds to clinch the Gold Medal with the accompanying prize of $10,000 plus the N5 million support from the Rivers State Government.

Peninah Arusei from Kenya finished tops as the female in the 45Km Elite Race with a total time of 2 hours, 48 minutes and 23 seconds to clinch the Gold Medal and win the prize money of $10,000 and also get the N5-million support from the State Government.

While Iliya Pam Nwanta from Plateau State was the first runner-up, winning a silver medal; Istifanus Peter Maham from Plateau State got the Bronze Medal.

Governor Fubara announced a complimentary monetary award of N1 million each to the athletes in the first 20 places behind the gold medal winners as encouragement to them, saying that it would motivate others to consider joining the competition in the future.

In the 30-meter race, Governor Fubara emerged winner and had his medal presented to him by the Chairman, Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka.

The wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, won second place in the 30-meter race and had her medal presented to her by the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu.

In his remark, the State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, said it was well known that the state has become the hub of sports in Nigeria.

This feat, he stated, is attributed to the immeasurable support Governor Fubara has given to sports development in the state.