The Bayelsa State Correctional Centre has registered Liberty FC to compete in the 2026 edition of the Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said the team will play its matches on a specially designated field, describing the inclusion as a major step towards institutional inclusivity.
Akpe noted that the annual competition has helped curb crime and youth restiveness across the state by keeping young people engaged in football.
“With the consistency in organising the tournament, youth restiveness has reduced drastically because the youths are actively engaged in football activities across communities,” he said, adding that crime rates usually drop during the event.
Other institutions taking part include the Nigeria Police Force, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), faith-based organisations and a team of non-indigenes resident in the state.
Yenagoa-based football enthusiast and Secretary of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Stanley Imgbi, welcomed the development.
“It is an interesting development. Their inclusion will add flavour to the tournament,” Imgbi said. “I am equally delighted to hear that non-indigenes in the state also registered a team. This will bring about unity. Kudos to the organisers.”
The tournament now moves to Ogbia Local Government Area this weekend after the completion of preliminary rounds in Brass and Nembe.
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