Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to confer a state honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) on Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, for his performance in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Fubara also announced a N20 million reward to Rivers-born Nwabali for his performance in the 2023 AFCON.

The governor made the declaration when he hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper and the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team at Government House in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Governor Fubara, who also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew who were present, said his administration will sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping the people of Rivers State to engage in ventures that bring honour to the state.

He commended Nwabali for his excellent goalkeeping in the Super Eagles team and playing alongside other patriots in the just concluded AFCON, which he said has made Nigeria proud.

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Fubara said: “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team. We are here again in just about four months after winning a local trophy.

“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.

“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance, and administrative efficiency. So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”

Governor Fubara, however, urged the people of Rivers State to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.

For emerging as champions in the Louis Edem National League competition, the governor gifted N50 million to the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team.

Speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, applauded Fubara for his support, which he said motivated the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team to clinch the National League trophy as champions.

The Star