The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has honoured outstanding youths from the state for bringing national and international acclaim through remarkable achievements in sports and pageantry.
At a special ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, Vice Admiral Ibas celebrated athletes from Team Rivers across multiple sporting disciplines, including wrestling, shooting, table tennis, swimming, badminton, boxing, chess, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, judo, para-lifting, weightlifting, kickboxing, kung fu, and cycling, among others.
Also honoured were the Rivers Angels Football Club and the reigning Miss Africa, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George.
In his address, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized that the recognition was not merely about trophies or titles but about the legacy of resilience, discipline, and excellence that the athletes are creating for future generations.
“We gather today to affirm that when our youths are empowered, inspired, and given opportunities, they will not only rise—they will soar beyond expectations, The stories we honour today are those of resilience, courage, determination, and passion—qualities that have become the hallmark of Rivers youths. Whatever support or monetary gifts we offer today are simply tokens of our gratitude. Your real reward lies in the legacy you are building and the lives you are inspiring.”
Vice Admiral Ibas gave special commendation to the Nigerian Super Falcons for their recent triumph at the West African Women’s Cup of Nations, describing their victory as a “monumental achievement” and a testament to the strength and discipline of Nigerian female athletes.
He also applauded the Rivers State contingent to the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta for their historic medal haul of 199 medals—76 gold, 56 silver, and 65 bronze—hailing it as the state’s best-ever performance in the competition.
Further accolades were extended to the Rivers Hoppers for their excellence, the Rivers Angels Football Club for their passion and three-time Nigerian Federation Cup victories, and Rivers United Football Club for qualifying for the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
Reiterating the state’s dedication to nurturing talent, Vice Admiral Ibas stated:
Read also:
- Gateway Games: Rivers athletes to earn highest cash rewards as Administrator unveils package
- Ibas unhappy over pace of work on Rivers assembly complex project
- 10,000 athletes set to lock horns as Public Service Games kick off in Port Harcourt
“Excellence knows no boundary. Fueled by opportunity, courage, and purpose, we celebrate the brilliant talent and triumph before us today. As a government, we remain fully committed to your progress. We will continue to invest in youth development, education, entrepreneurship, technology, skills acquisition, and sports infrastructure because we believe, with every fiber of our conviction, that when we invest in youths, we invest in the future.”
He added that the administration would strengthen youth policy frameworks, enhance support for sports councils, youth centers, and innovation hubs, and amplify youth voices in policymaking, declaring that “this generation is not just the future—it is also the present.”
Vice Admiral Ibas urged the honourees to see themselves as not just the pride of Rivers State, but the hope of Nigeria, expressing confidence that the world would soon celebrate their names.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Lucky Worika, explained that the celebration was designed to inspire not only the awardees but also other youths to pursue their passions and dreams with determination.
“From educational support and skills acquisition programmes to creating industry hubs, entrepreneurial grants, and sports development initiatives, we are intentionally building a state where no youth will be left behind,
“As we celebrate today, we encourage you to continue in the spirit of excellence. Let your talents stand out, let your voices be constructive, and let your dreams remain undeterred.”
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, medalist Mr. Cyprian Miracle expressed profound gratitude to the Rivers State Government for its unwavering support, which propelled them to achieve laurels for the state. He also thanked the administration for the reception held in their honour.
