The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday disclosed that Rivers-born Super Eagles, Stanley Nwabali would be bestowed with the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS).
He also announced a N20 million gift to the goalkeeper for making the state proud with his exploits at the just-concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.
In a statement, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Boniface Onyedi disclosed that Fubara hosted Nwabali as well as the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Speaking during the event, Fubara assured that his administration would sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping Rivers people to engage in ventures that bring honour to the state.
The governor said in providing leadership, his focus is to create the enabling environment in which Rivers people would continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing to align with what he is doing in changing the narrative of how Rivers State is perceived globally.
Commending Nwabali for his AFCON exploits, 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 your 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, administrative efficiency. So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best,” he said.
Fubara urged Rivers people to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.
Fubara also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew who were present.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team got a N50 million gift from the governor for emerging as champions in the Louis Edem National league competition.