Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, rewarded the Super Eagle’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with N20 million on Friday.
Fubara noted that his administration will sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping the people of the state engage in ventures that bring honour.
The governor spoke when he hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper, who participated in the just-concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The governor also noted that Nwabali will also be bestowed with the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State.
Fubara also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew, who were present.
In a similar incident, Fubara gave the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team N50 million in recognition of their victory in the Louis Edem National League competition.
This was said in a statement published by Boniface Onyedi, the governor’s communications adviser, and made available to journalists.
Fubara stated that his goal in giving leadership was to create an enabling climate in which Rivers people would continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing in line with what he is doing to change the narrative of how Rivers State is seen globally.
The governor praised Rivers-born Nwabali for his outstanding goalkeeping in the Super Eagles team, which competed alongside other Nigerians in the just-completed AFCON.
He said, “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali, and our wonderful team.
“We are here again in just about four months after you won a local trophy.
“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind us to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically, but they give joy and fulfilment.
“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance and administrative efficiency.
“So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”
He advised state citizens to continue doing excellent activities that benefit the state and garner honour.
Christopher Green, the state commissioner of sports, praised Fubara for motivating the Rivers Hoopers basketball team to win the national league championship.
A former Commissioner for Justice and one-time Super Eagles player, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, also spoke, noting the importance of sports development in the state and praising Ubara’s deliberate leadership.