Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Governor of Rivers State NYESOM WIKE says sports is a unifying force for peace and development in Nigeria.
Governor NYESOM WIKE during the opening ceremony of 2019 All African Senior Badminton Championship in Port Harcourt said the government has provided all logistics for a successful tournament.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State IPALIBO HARRY BANIGO said the state will continue to promote sports development in the country.
Governor Wike said that the State is pleased to host the entire continent and assured them that they will enjoy their stay while in Rivers State.
The President of Badminton Confederation Africa BCA TUKEBANA BAU during his address called on the athletes to play according to the rules of the competition.
TUKEBANA BAU said the BCA is committed to developing the game of badminton in the continent of Africa.
In his comment, the Commissioner of Sports Rivers State BOMA IYAYE called on the athletes to enjoy the cultural heritage of Rivers State during the competition.
He also said that Rivers State is the hub of sports in Africa and that while the State has played host to different international sporting events in Africa.
Boma Iyaye noted that the State has used sports to create jobs for the teeming youths thereby curbing youth restiveness in Rivers State.
On his part, the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria BFN, Francis Orbih said the country is hosting to win the tournament.
He said that the BFN has prepared Team Nigeria to excel at the one-week long tournament in Port Harcourt.
Francis Orbih also commended the Rivers State Government for their support to the game of Badminton in the country.
Our correspondent reports that 2019 All African Senior Badminton Championship is billed for 22-28th April in Port Harcourt.
African Badminton Championship Results.
Nigeria 5-0 South Africa
Egypt 5-0 DR Congo
Mauritius 5-0 Benin Republic
Algeria 5-0 Togo.
Cote d’Ivoire 0-5 Ghana.
