SWAN Urges Fubara to Overhaul Sports Ministry After Rivers Clubs’ Poor Performances
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, has urged Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to appoint a new leadership team for the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, insisting that urgent reforms are needed to revive sports development across the state.
The association also called for a complete restructuring of the management of Rivers United, Rivers Angels, and Rivers Hoopers, arguing that the clubs have failed to justify the huge financial investment made by the Rivers State Government.
SWAN Wants Fubara to Reposition Rivers Sports for Better Results
The resolution was reached during SWAN’s general meeting held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Speaking after the meeting, SWAN Rivers Chairman, Cyril Dum Wite, said the recommendation was aimed at putting the state’s sports sector back on track ahead of the new football season while restoring competitiveness across all sporting activities.
According to him, the current administrative structure no longer reflects modern sports management standards, making a fresh approach necessary.
“Under the present leadership of the ministry, sports are gradually dying, and as major stakeholders, we will not allow the situation to get worse.
“The management team of all the clubs may not be in line with present sports administrative skills or ideas; hence, there is absolutely a need to reorganize the structure and appoint persons that have a pedigree in sports administration to handle the affairs of the clubs.”
SWAN Praises Fubara’s Sports Investments Despite Reform Call
Despite its criticism of the current sports administration, SWAN commended Governor Fubara for his continued commitment to sports development in Rivers State.
The association highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium as one of the administration’s biggest achievements, noting that the project would significantly improve sporting activities and attract major competitions to the state.
SWAN also acknowledged the governor’s consistent approval of funds for athletes participating in national competitions and festivals, describing the gesture as evidence of his passion for sports.
“The governor has not failed to approve and release funds for athletes to attend various sports competitions and festivals. This is a clear demonstration that the governor loves sports.
“Apart from that, he has equally received athletes and rewarded them with cash gifts.”
The association concluded by appealing to Governor Fubara to build a permanent SWAN office in Rivers State that would bear his name as a lasting legacy.
