By: Joy Odor/Kaduna
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the state is set to organize one of the best African Wrestling Championships, following the level of preparation and determination by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
Governor Wike stated this Friday during the hoisting of flags of African Countries to signal one of the landmarks in hosting the wrestling championship by Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He commended the Local Organizing Committee for preparing well ahead of the wrestling championship, stressing that he is aware that with what he has seeing, the state is set, and will want to believe that they will give their best.
The Governor lauded the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) led by Mr. Daniel Igali for making it possible for Rivers to secure the hosting rights of the championship.
“It’s not easy when you came to us; you told that you will do everything possible for Rivers to get the hosting right, which you did.
“And we also promised you that we are not going to disappoint you; I want to stand here to reiterate that we are not going to disappoint you” he said.
Governor Wike therefore called on sports stakeholders to queue behind the championship as Nigeria was hosting for the first time.
Meanwhile, the LOC chairman and Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Hon Boma Iyaye has assured that they were putting finishing touches towards hosting a successful continental event.
Also speaking, NWF President, Hon Daniel Igali said the significance of hoisting the flags is in recognition of all the 54 African countries expected to participate in the event.
“The symbols of the countries are their flags; this is about their culture, it’s about friendship and about the official signal of the tournament that is about to take place in Port Harcourt,” he stated.
The Olympic champion expressed optimism that Nigeria was not just hosting but would do well to emerge champions.
Officers from the Nigeria Police band, Rivers state command carried out the simultaneous hosting of the flags of African countries at the imposing Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex, the venue for the championship.
