Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on multinational oil companies and corporate organisations operating in the state to support the annual Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, to advance grassroots sports development.
Diri made the appeal in Yenagoa while receiving a branded jersey from the tournament’s Central Organising Committee and conducting the official draws for Season 8.
He also presented kits, including jerseys and footballs, to three participating teams: Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and a para-soccer team.The governor described the competition, established in 2015, as one of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournaments, noting that 228 teams are competing in the male category this season.“
Government alone cannot develop sports,” Diri said, urging oil firms and other stakeholders to contribute to youth-focused initiatives. He added that sports can serve as a tool for youth engagement and social stability.Diri commended organisers for holding a refresher course for referees and urged match officials to uphold integrity.
He also acknowledged the support of Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue.
Tournament official Perela Aboro said measures were taken to reduce teams’ travel costs, while Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida expressed confidence ahead of the competition.
