Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been rewarded with a merit award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for his contribution to the development of sports in Nigeria.
Governor Wike, according to the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawoo deserved the recognition with his investments in sports in the country.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, at the 54th national council of SWAN held in Port Harcourt said his government recognised the role of sports in the unity of Nigeria.
Wike said the Rivers State Government will continue to support sports development, stressing that without sports, there would be no Nigeria.
Governor Wike added that his administration was committed to make Port Harcourt the headquarters of sports in Nigeria.
He reiterated that part of his resolve was hosting of many national and international sporting competitions, as well as the renovation and upgrade of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Stadium.
He commended SWAN for its role in sports development and expressed happiness with the leadership of the body.
The governor equally announced that Rivers State Government would sponsor 10 sports journalists to the Russia 2018 World Cup.