Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen.John Enoh has lauded Governor Douye Diri for investing in sports development in the state and Nigeria in general.
Sen.Enoh gave the commendation during the final of the sixth edition of the Governor Douye Diri football tournament christened Prosperity cup at the Samson Siasia stadium ,Yenagoa .
The Sports Minister said Governor Diri has continued to encourage and sponsor the growth of football and other sports not only in Bayelsa but also has been very supportive of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He stated that the motto of the Prosperity Cup, “Taking Sports Development To The Grassroots,” resonates with the determination of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to bring back its zonal offices across the country, stressing that the future of sports lies in the grassroots.
He said: “Since becoming Minister of Sports, I have found one governor that has been a recurring decimal in Nigeria’s sports sector and he is the Governor of Bayelsa State.
“Wherever I have gone to, this governor keeps recurring. He keeps providing support, encouragement and sponsorship, particularly when Nigeria competed in AFCON. He is one governor that made a commitment to the team and redeemed it immediately.
“The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has the Commissioner for Sports in Bayelsa, Daniel Igali, as president. This governor has done more for that federation than anyone else. I am supposed to leave for Germany tomorrow to be with our Olympic team but I said I must be here and I am glad I came.”
Senator Enoh said with over 200 teams registered for the tournament, the Prosperity Cup was a model that other states should copy.
He said his ministry in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) might institute a similar national grassroots competition having Diri as their ally.
He also thanked the governor for the tremendous support to the wrestling federation as Nigeria prepares for the 2024 Olympics and expressed the optimism that the support would translate to medals for the country.
Governor Douye Diri in an address noted that his administration would continue to create enabling environment for sports to thrive, describing sports as a huge investment, and called on the youths in the state to be focused and not be distracted.
According to him, the crime rate in the state has reduced drastically as a result of the tournament that has continued to be the vehicle that has engaged the youths positively, stressing that he was pleased with the progress of the tournament after six editions.
The state’s helmsman noted that the introduction of the women’s tournament would helped to consolidate on the achievements recorded by Bayelsa Queens, saying that the prize money of the women’s tournament would improve in the next edition to further encourage women’s football.
While congratulating both winners and all the participating teams for the show of dexterity throughout the game, the governor commended the tournament organizers for their thoroughness and commitment throughout the competition.
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau also praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri for his “outstanding contributions” to the growth of grassroots football in Nigeria.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali in a welcome address appreciated the governor for ensuring that the tournament gets to the sixth edition, explaining that the competition in the last few years has engaged over ten thousand youths across the state.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe in an interview, asserted that he was elated with the massive turn out of fans, adding that this year’s competition has impacted referees and coaches positively.
Ogboinbiri, which defeated Nembe City 3-0, got a cash prize of N5m while winners of the female category, NDU Queens, which beat Peremor Academy by a lone goal, received N1m as prize money.
Total prize money in the tournament was N15m
