Fubara Honours S’Eagles Goalkeeper Nwabali With Rivers’ Highest Honour, N20m

Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said his administration will sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping Rivers people to engage in ventures that bring honour to the state.

Fubara made the remark when he hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who performed excellently at the just-concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast and the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team at Government House in Port Harcourt, on Friday.

The governor said in providing leadership, his focus was to create the enabling environment in which Rivers people will continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing to align with what he is doing in changing the narrative of how Rivers State is perceived globally.

He particularly commended the Rivers State-born Stanley Nwabali for his excellent goalkeeping in the Super Eagles team, playing alongside other patriots in the just-concluded 2023 AFCON, which has made Nigeria proud.

Fubara said: “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team. We are here again in just about four months after your winning a local trophy.

“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.

“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance, administrative efficiency. So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”

The governor urged Rivers people to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.

Fubara, who announced a N20 million reward to Nwabali, said that he will also be bestowed with the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS). Governor Fubara also gifted N30million to the Super Eagles’ crew who were present at the occasion.

For emerging as champions in the Louis Edem national league competition, the governor gifted N50 million to the Rivers Hoopers basketball team.

Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, applauded Fubara for his support that motivated the Rivers Hoopers basketball team to clinch the national League trophy as champions.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Justice and one-time Super Eagles player, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, while recognising the impact of sports development in the state, commended Fubara’s purposeful leadership.