Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on multinational oil companies (IOCs) and other corporate organisations in the state to fund the annual Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, to boost sports development.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving a branded jersey from the tournament’s Central Organising Committee (COC) and performing the official draws for Season 8 in Yenagoa.
He also distributed kits comprising jerseys for players and coaches, as well as footballs to three participating teams: Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community, and a para-soccer team.
Governor Diri expressed delight at the tournament’s remarkable growth since its launch in 2015, describing it as Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competition, with 228 teams competing in the male category this season.
He stressed that government alone cannot fully develop sports and called on IOCs, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Bayelsans to contribute, noting that sports remains a powerful tool to curb youth restiveness.“Government alone cannot develop sports,” Diri said.
“We need the support of oil companies and others. Grassroots sports development is essential for any nation’s sporting progress, and my administration remains committed to youth engagement and empowerment through sports.”
He commended the organisers for conducting a refresher course for referees from the State Referees Council and urged match officials to maintain the highest standards of integrity.
The governor also appreciated lead sponsors Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the Board of Internal Revenue for their continued investment in youth and sports development.
Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro, described the draws as completely transparent and assured that Season 8 would be the best-organised edition.
He said deliberate efforts were made to assign teams to centres close to their bases to reduce transportation costs and ensure smooth operations across all venues.
Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and excitement about the coaching clinic, predicting that this year’s tournament would be historic.
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