The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika, has commended the the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) for holding its 2025 sports festival in Rivers State. He has however emphasized the role of sports as a powerful tool for fostering unity, peace, and collaboration in society, while also serving as a driver for development.
Prof Worika made these remarks during a courtesy visit by members of USOSA in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The delegation briefed him on the association’s upcoming sports festival, scheduled to take place in the state.
He noted that given the pivotal role unity schools play in national cohesion, the Rivers State Administrator, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is deeply committed to advancing educational and sports development initiatives.
Describing USOSA’s decision to host the sports festival in Port Harcourt as both timely and commendable, Prof Worika assured the association of the state government’s support.
“I assure you that we share your vision for greater unity, particularly among Nigerians and within Rivers State. You are doing remarkable work, and we encourage other schools to emulate the exemplary efforts of federal government colleges at the grassroots level. Such initiatives significantly contribute to peace, unity, and collaboration across all sectors,” he stated.
The leader of the USOSA delegation, Mr. Chidi Anene, highlighted the federal government’s substantial investment in nurturing young Nigerians through the quality education provided by unity schools. He expressed the association’s commitment to giving back to society.
“We are products of the federal government’s investment in unity schools, where students from diverse backgrounds come together under a structured system to become a unified force for national cohesion. Our mission is to continue promoting unity across Nigeria,” Anene said.
“While we advocate for enhanced support from the Federal Ministry of Education for unity schools, we also seek to align with state governments’ efforts in public schools, ensuring mutual benefits and shared progress.”
Honorable Sokolo Solomon, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the USOSA Sports Festival Port Harcourt 2025, outlined the event’s schedule.
According to a statement by Juliana Masi, Head, Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the festival would commence with board games on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Port Harcourt Club, followed by a march past, football matches, and other sporting activities on Saturday, April 26, across various venues in the state.
The statement, Hon Solomon added that beyond fostering unity, the festival would also showcase Rivers State’s hospitality, socio-cultural richness, and economic opportunities, further boosting local engagement and business prospects.
