Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Tuesday said the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed Real Madrid Football Academy would take place on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Wike, while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, said the academy would provide employment for youths in the state.

He said also that the academy would hunt for young talents and groom sports men and women from Rivers.

“The academy will also produce different categories of sports men and women who will be referees, coaches, among other categories,’’ the governor said.

He said all necessary arrangements had been formalised with the authorities of Real Madrid Football Academy in Spain to ensure the academy’s take-off in the state.

Wike urged youths in the state to be patient with his administration and support him to achieve set goals.

He also disclosed that the sum of N200 million would be made available monthly to give free loans to women in the state.

“The loan will be interest-free and it is aimed at empowering women in the state,’’ the governor said.

Wike then called on the people of the state to give his administration maximum support to continue to provide for them the dividends of democracy.