The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, has highlighted the significance of sports in promoting unity, peace, and collaboration in society.
He also noted that sports can drive development, underscoring their importance in the state’s growth.
Professor Worika made these remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the Unity Schools Students Association (USOSA) in Port Harcourt.
The delegation briefed him on the association’s upcoming sports festival, scheduled to take place in the state.
He noted that given the pivotal role unity schools play in national cohesion, the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is deeply committed to advancing educational and sports development initiatives.
Describing USOSA’s decision to host the sports festival in Port Harcourt as both timely and commendable, Professor Worika assured the association of the state government’s support.
“I assure you that we share your vision for greater unity, particularly among Nigerians and within Rivers State. You are doing remarkable work, and we encourage other schools to emulate the exemplary efforts of federal government colleges at the grassroots level. Such initiatives significantly contribute to peace, unity, and collaboration across all sectors,” he stated.
The leader of the USOSA delegation, Mr Chidi Anele, highlighted the federal government’s substantial investment in nurturing young Nigerians through the quality education provided by unity schools. He expressed the association’s commitment to giving back to society.
“We are products of the federal government’s investment in unity schools, where students from diverse backgrounds come together under a structured system to become a unified force for national cohesion. Our mission is to continue promoting unity across Nigeria,” Anele said.
“While we advocate for enhanced support from the Federal Ministry of Education for unity schools, we also seek to align with state governments’ efforts in public schools, ensuring mutual benefits and shared progress.”
Honourable Sokolo Solomon, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the USOSA Sports Festival Port Harcourt 2025, outlined the event’s schedule. The festival will commence with board games on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Port Harcourt Club, followed by a march past, football matches, and other sporting activities on Saturday, April 26, across various venues in the state.
He added that beyond fostering unity, the festival would also showcase Rivers State’s hospitality, socio-cultural richness, and economic opportunities, further boosting local engagement and business prospects.
