We Set Up R’Madrid Academy To Raise Football Stars Equipped with Basic Education–Gov. Wike
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday said the state government has established the Real Madrid Academy in a bid to raise global soccer stars that will be equipped with basic education.
He made this submission in a live broadcast on Real Madrid Television during a programme entitled Real Madrid Connecta anchored by Cristina Gullon. Governor Wike said the academy, established in Port Harcourt, has been designed to train children in both football and basic education with a view to building an enviable future for them.
The Governor, who disclosed that inquiries and request for admission into the outstanding football academy have come from key places across the globe, noted that the academy will be developed and managed along with the standard set by the Madrid football club in Spain.
READ ALSO: SUPREME COURT VERDICT: WIKE WINS AGAIN
Speaking further, the governor said the people of Rivers State love the Spanish football club as it is seen as a global brand, adding that the people are very happy with the establishment of a football academy in the state capital in conjunction with the Madrid Football club known globally to have paraded many football stars such as the Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo.
‘Real Madrid Football Club is loved across Nigeria and in Rivers State. It is a global brand and the best club in the world. People are very happy with the establishment of the Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt. They are eager to have their children admitted into the academy,’ he said.
‘We have given our people the opportunity to use their skills and their potentials to become great super stars in the future. These children will not only be trained to become superstar footballers, they will also acquire basic education at the academy.’
READ ALSO: Wike to spend N21bn for construction of 3 fly-over bridges in Port-Harcourt
‘It then gives me great joy that I am privileged to coordinate the process of grooming the next generation of international football stars who will rule the world. It gives me joy that I am privileged to contribute to the development of fresh international talents.’
The governor, who was in Madrid for the signing of ratification agreement with the Real Madrid Foundation for the development of the academy, further urged the Madrid government to always patronise Rivers State due to its economic viability.
He said with over 6 million people, an international airport, two seaports and the high prevalence of oil and gas, Rivers State remains an economic destination of choice.
The governor was received on Monday night at the Presidency Reception Centre of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Football club for the agreement signing between the Rivers state and the Madrid club.
Samson Oyedeyi
