Rivers SWAN Urges Fubara to Restructure Sports Clubs, Appoint Sports Commissioner

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State chapter, has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to overhaul the management of state-owned sports clubs and appoint a substantive Commissioner for Sports to reposition the sector and restore the state’s status as a sporting powerhouse.

The association said the current management of Rivers United, Rivers Angels and Rivers Hoopers has failed to justify the significant government investment in the clubs, stressing that urgent reforms are needed ahead of the new football season.

Speaking during the association’s July 2026 monthly general meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers SWAN Chairman, Cyril Dum-Wite, said a comprehensive restructuring of the clubs’ administrative framework had become imperative to align with modern sports management practices.

According to him, the absence of a substantive commissioner has also affected effective administration of the State Ministry of Sports, making it necessary for the governor to appoint a new leadership to drive the ministry’s vision.

“The current administrative structure no longer reflects the realities of contemporary sports management,” Dum-Wite said.

“Under the present leadership of the ministry, sports are gradually declining, and as critical stakeholders, we cannot allow the situation to worsen. There is an urgent need to reorganise the management structure and appoint competent professionals with proven experience in sports administration to oversee the affairs of the clubs.”

Despite expressing concern over the management of the sports sector, Dum-Wite commended Governor Fubara for his sustained commitment to sports development in the state.

He described the ongoing comprehensive renovation of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium as a landmark project that would significantly enhance sporting activities and boost Rivers State’s profile as a major sports destination.

The SWAN chairman also applauded the governor for consistently approving funds to enable Rivers athletes to participate in national championships and sports festivals.

“The governor has consistently approved and released funds for athletes to compete at various sporting events. This clearly demonstrates his commitment to sports development,” he said.

“He has also received victorious athletes and rewarded them with cash gifts, a gesture that has greatly motivated sportsmen and women across the state.”

Dum-Wite further appealed to Governor Fubara to support the association by constructing a permanent SWAN secretariat in Rivers State, proposing that the facility be named after the governor in recognition of his contributions to sports development and as part of his enduring legacy in the sector.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio