By Anne Azuka
The State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu has declared that Delta Principals’ Cup competition would promote youth development, foster healthy competition, identify and nurture talented footballers among secondary school students while providing a platform for quality education.
Ezewu, who stated this in Asaba on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up for 2023 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’Cup competition which will kick off today(Thursday October 19).
According to her, the Delta Principals’ Cup tournament has long been recognized as a cornerstone for the development of youth football in the State.
This year’s edition is the 6th edition of the sponsored competition by the Zenith Bank Plc.
She described the commitment of Zenith Bank towards supporting educational initiatives and sporting events in Deta State as a true reflection of their dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility and Empowerment.
Education Commissioner explained that the effort by the Zenith Bank has proven to be worthwhile as some of the talents discovered in the tournament were
already making waves across Nigeria.
She added that some talents have found markets overseas in order to sustain the noble ideals of the collaboration between Delta State Government and Zenith Bank Plc.
Ezewu disclosed that the programme of activities for the 2023 Principals’ Cup Competition, tournament would run from Thursday, 19 October to Thursday, 30th, November, 2023 with the official kick off of the competition at St. Patrick’s College, Sports Ground, Asaba.
“Also, the preliminaries stage of the competition would run simultaneously among competing schools in the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.
In his keynote, the Chief Responsibility Officer HIDEAPLUS Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Tony Pemu said the dream was to groom the talented students for international platform.
“We shall explore collaborations for training and showcasing discovered talents beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“In the maiden edition, 450
public secondary schools and 240 private schools in the State indicated
interest in the competition.
“The number have continued to grow more rapidly and we are most grateful that the event has recorded remarkable
successes especially in the area of talent discovery among secondary
school students”, he noted.
Pemu promised that the 6th edition of the Zenith Bank /Delta Principals
Cup would be more purpose driven, entertaining, players focus
and enriching.
He posited that this year’s event would witness much fanfare and upgraded quality in terms of match officiating, discipline and professionalism.
