Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government has denied rumours that it did not pay allowances of athletes that represented the state at the just concluded National Festival in Abuja.
The Director of Sports Council, Rivers State, Evang Ezekiel Ordu while speaking to our correspondent said the State Government paid out every allowance to the athletes that represented the state at the festival.
He said that the rumours of none payment of allowances and salaries are baseless and false.
The Director of Sports Council Rivers State noted that the only problems they encountered with payment of allowances were the delay usually encountered during electronic transfers.
He said the athletes have received all their entitlements and allowances.
Ezekiel Ordu also said the state is aiming to overtake Delta State as winners of the festival in 2020.
He stated that the State Government will commence early preparations for the 2020 National Sports Festival in Edo State.
Ezekiel Ordu reiterated that grassroots sports development will now take centre stage across the state in a bid to usher in fresh athletes that will represent Rivers State in future national and international sporting events.
He stated that the sports-loving Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike and Commissioner of Sports Boma Iyaye are committed to providing the basic infrastructure for sports development in the state.
The Director of Sports Council stated that the council will take advantage of the numerous national events being hosted by the state to prepare its athletes for national competitions.
