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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, has expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Prosperity Cup tournament in the state.
The tournament strengthened its commitment to inclusion by integrating men, women, as well as para-soccer teams and has boosted social change across the state.
Okoroma United and Active Ladies claimed the men and women’s title, while Shadrack Sports Academy, emerged Para-Soccer champions.
Declaring the tournament closed, Diri maintained that his administration has used the Prosperity Cup to create social change.
The governor, who described sports as a global event, remarked that the competition was one of the programmes he inherited from his predecessor and invested hugely in it to empower the youths, pointing out that beyond politics, football has become a means of livelihood.
He acknowledged that the introduction of the women’s category improved the quality of football in the competition, stressing that the continuous increase in the number of clubs participating in the showpiece reflects the growth of the tournament.
The State helmsman noted that he wants to see the government disengaging completely from football and indeed all sports, pointing out that the essence why only football could thrive in the country was because of the private sector involvement.
While commending the organizers of the tournament for the smooth organization of the competition, the governor expressed excitement at the increase in sponsors.
Managing Director/CEO, Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim represented by the Chief Operating Officer, South South, Dr. Aniebet Offiong, said beyond the delivery of premium services to customers, the institution is poised for the development of sports.
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick commended the governor’s intentionality in the development of sports, pointing out that the total display of talents in the final was unprecedented.
Welcome Address
In his welcome address, Director General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, stated that the partnership with FC Barcelona clearly makes the 2026 edition unique.
He noted that the signing of the MoU reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the life of youths n Bayelsa.
Akpe lauded sponsors, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig Ltd, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigeria Customs Service, Binad Table Water, Agco Engineering and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for the unwavering support to the tournament.
