By Anne Azuka
The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Akpowowo Arthur, has called on football stakeholders in Delta State to take full advantage of the supportive environment created by the state government to attract private sector investment.
He emphasized that beyond government grants and aid, strategic collaborations with corporate entities were crucial to building a sustainable, world-class football structure in the state.
Rt. Hon. Akpowowo gave the advice while declaring open a one-day seminar on Grassroots Football Development, held at the Delta State Football House in Asaba.
The seminar was organized by the Head of Technical, Delta State Football Association(DFA), and member of the State Sports Commission, Mr. Sam Sodje, in collaboration with several private partners.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Gift Idiegbe, the deputy Speaker, lamented the limited involvement of the private sector in organising football tournaments within the state.
He noted that football remains a lucrative venture for players, administrators, and investors alike.
“We must move away from overdependence on government subventions. There is an enabling environment for business in Delta; let us use this opportunity to bring in private partners who will see the financial and social benefits of investing in football,” Mr. Idiegbe said on behalf of the deputy Speaker.
The seminar with its theme; “Sustaining Football: Inspiring Generations and Corporate Backing for Grassroots Development,” attracted notable figures in Nigerian football and sports development.
The Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, also lent his voice to the call for greater private involvement.
He was represented by a director in the Commission, Mr. Onojajah Onoriode, who reiterated the government’s commitment to creating platforms that will uplift the game from the grassroots.
Keynote speaker and Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Coach Austin Eguavoen challenged stakeholders to rethink their approach to football development.
“Grassroots football is the backbone of every successful national team. Without proper investment at that level, we will keep recycling talents and miss out on nurturing future stars.”
Other speakers included ex-international and CAF instructor, Edema Fuludu; former NFF psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun; veteran Sports Journalist and marketing expert, Mr. Harrison Ocholor; and former Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Victor Onogagamue.
Each offered perspectives on player development, sports psychology, media partnership, and sustainable investment in football.
Welcoming guests earlier, the Chairman of the Delta Football Association, Hon. Godwin Adode, commended the turnout and called for stronger partnerships between public and private stakeholders.
“We need corporate organizations to see football as more than just entertainment. It’s a tool for empowerment, unity, and economic development.”
Event Convener, Mr. Sam Sodje, expressed gratitude to all participants and sponsors for making the seminar a success.
He called for better welfare and support for players, coaches, and other stakeholders.
“We must all rise to the challenge of supporting our own. Football development should be collective, and it requires commitment from all angles.”
The seminar concluded with an interactive session where participants shared ideas on how football can serve not only as a sport but also as a tool for social transformation and economic empowerment.
