Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has explained the reasons for the delay in the kick-off of the Real Madrid Academy, which was commissioned in March 2021.
The Governor said the policy of admitting only boys into the academy had to be changed to accommodate girls.
Wike made the explanation over the weekend at the Auditorium of Real Madrid Sport City, Fuerzas Armadas Avenue, 402, Madrid, Spain after signing a cooperation ratification agreement with Real Madrid for promotion of sport amongst children and youths at the Real Madrid Academy.
The agreement was jointly signed by Governor Wike on behalf of Rivers State, Mr. Enrique Sanchez, the Executive Vice President of the Real Madrid Foundation and the President of Interact Sports, Mr. Jihad Saade.
Governor Wike, however, disclosed that the state is now ready to kick-start the running of the school.
Wike said “We had to stop to include the girls. We are very ready to kick-start the school and we believe that this is a very good opportunity for our people. We are honoured to be identified with the Real Madrid, it is a good brand for us.”
Governor Wike also said he believes that sport is an important factor in social integration and in the promotion of ethical values.