By Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Chairman Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of West Africa University Games UNIPORT 2018, Dr Williams Wodi has called for financial support from both State and Federal Government for the hosting of the University games.
Dr Williams Wodi stated this when members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Rivers State Chapter SWAN paid him a working visit ahead of the competition.
He also called on other spirited individuals in the country to come to their aid so as to stage a successful tournament.
”The Federal government, the state government, public-spirited groups and individuals should come to our aid to help us run the games and I tell anybody who cares to listen that this is hosted by the University of Port Harcourt but will have a ripple effect on Rivers State and Nigeria”
“If the games fail, people who will leave here will say that Nigeria was not able to host them” he said.
Dr Williams Wodi said the financial challenges are limiting their preparations for the games.
Dr Williams Wodi who is also the Public Relations Officer of the University of Port Harcourt also appreciates Rivers SWAN for their pledge to support the games.
He also revealed that 16 Sports will be competed in at the 14th edition of the West Africa University Games.
”It is not unusual that when people are hosting games like this they run into one problem or the other but the luck we have is that we are not building any new facility.
“The facilities we used in 2004 NUGA Games have been put under use if not we will be panicking.
“The major problem is logistics and that logistics nightmare we are facing will require some financial infusion to enable us to conclude preparations for the games” he stated.
Also speaking, Competition Director, Prof Ken Anigweje explained how UNIPORT was named the host of the event meant to be hosted by University D’Abomey Calavi of the Republic of Benin.
Prof Ken Anigweje also appreciated SWAN and explained the importance of the media ahead of the competition.
However, the Acting Chairman of SWAN Rivers State Chapter Soni Uboh pledged his support on behalf of SWAN to give adequate publicity of the games.
As of the time of filing this report, 60 Universities have already completed their online accreditation while 25 more are still expected to complete theirs before the commencement of the games.
