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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Rivers State Chapter, has urged Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to appoint new leadership in the State Ministry of Sports and reorganize the management of Rivers United, Rivers Angels, and Rivers Hoopers. The call was made at SWAN’s general meeting on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt. Chairman Cyril Dum Wite said the clubs have failed to deliver results commensurate with government funding, and that “under the present leadership of the ministry, sports are gradually dying.” He added that the management teams may not be in tune with current sports administration, hence the need to bring in persons with proven pedigree to reposition the clubs for next season.
Despite the criticism, SWAN commended the governor for his support to sports development, particularly the ongoing total renovation of Yakubu Gowon Stadium, approval of funds for athletes to attend competitions, and cash rewards for outstanding sportsmen and women. Dum Wite described the governor’s approach as pragmatic and proof of his love for sports. The chairman also appealed to Gov. Fubara to build a befitting office for SWAN Rivers that will bear his name as a legacy project.