Tonye Orabere
The administrator of Rivers State, Vice admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd) has advised Team Rivers athletes to avoid illicit drugs, comport themselves and anything that will be capable of bringing shame to the State and their family.
He stated that sports was not just a competition but also a driver for economy development to any nation.
The administrator who was represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) Prof. Ibibia Worika, gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) advice on Sunday.
He said hosting NSF is a good thing because it brings ethic groups together especially the young ones, saying that it a sound part for unity.
” I advice Team Rivers athletes to comport themselves, illicit drugs and anything that will bring shame to the State and their family. They should be disciplined, focus and excel in the competition.
“It is a good thing to have National Sports Festival, it brings all ethnic groups together, especially the young ones, it is equally a sound part to unity”, the administrator said.
According to him, it will not take much time to redeem the promises made to athletes, as other States have also made similar promises.
It will be recalled that the administrator motivated Team Rivers athletes that any athlete that won gold medal will be rewarded with N2m, while silver, will pocket N1m and Bronze will smile home with N500,000.
“As soon as the athletes return from the competition it will not take much time to redeem the pledges. We will certainly fulfill our promises. It will take six months or one year.” He stated.
