.New leadership in the Sports Ministry
Tonye Orabere, PH Bureau Chief
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State Chapter has called on the state government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to appoint new leadership in the Ministry of Sports in the state.
The association further called for the reorganization of the management of Rivers United, Rivers Angels, and Rivers Hoopers, as they failed to perform commensurate with the money the state government is spending on them.
SWAN in the state made the call in its general meeting held on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Speaking, the chairman of the association, Cyril Dum Wite, said the intention was to reposition the clubs for optimal performance next football season, in addition to ensuring that sports in general are rejuvenated.
“Under the present leadership of the ministry, sports are gradually dying, and as major stakeholders, we will not allow the situation to get worse.
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“The management team of all the clubs may not be in line with present sports administrative skills or ideas; hence, there is absolutely a need to reorganize the structure and appoint persons who have a pedigree in sports administration to handle the affairs of the clubs,” Dum Wite said.
The chairman of SWAN in the state took the opportunity to thank the governor, Sir Fubara, for his pragmatic approach to sports development, most significantly the ongoing total renovation of Yakubu Gowon Stadium, stating that this will boost sporting activities in the state.
“The governor has not failed to approve and release funds for athletes to attend various sports competitions and festivals. This is a clear demonstration that the governor loves sports.
“Apart from that, he has equally received athletes and rewarded them with cash gifts,” he stated.
The chairman also appealed to the governor to build a SWAN office that will bear his name as a legacy.
