By Tayo Joseph Lagos, Nigeria
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state government will increase her investments in sports.
This the governor said, is to empower the youths.
Speaking during the Rivers Golden Jubilee Squash Championship Finals at the Port Harcourt Club on Saturday, Governor Wike said sports development will also help in the growth of the state’s economy.
He lauded the organisers of Rivers Golden Jubilee Squash Championship.
The governor directed that the championship be held annually to promote the game of squash in the state.
“We will continue to invest in sports , to promote the empowerment of youths in our State. This championship should be held annually “, he said.
He specifically commended the Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Austin Opara for funding the squash championship.
Chairman of the Rivers Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra said the Squash Championship was the first tournament to be singlehandedly sponsored by an individual.
In his remarks, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Austin Opara said that his sponsorship of the championship is his way of giving back to the state and also celebrating the state at fifty.
Captain of the Squash section of the Port Harcourt Club, Sojiye Lily-Tariah said that the club will always support the Wike administration in its drive to develop sports.
He said six clubs participated in the Golden Jubilee Squash Championship.
At the end of the Golden Jubilee Squash Championship, Port Harcourt Club came first, while Shell Club came second.
