His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, on Friday kicked off the 6th edition of Africa’s largest grassroots football tournament tagged, “Prosperity Cup,” at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Ovom, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewrhujakpo, who took the kick-off.
In attendance also at the Bayelsa State governor’s football tournament, was the First Lady of the state, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri.
In his address, the Governor lauded the Federal Government for endorsing the tournament and called on the IOCs, Shell, Agip, Aiteo and other private sectors to support the tournament.
The Governor who appreciated all the sponsors including the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), and Premium Trust Bank said the government would continue to invest in sports to engage the youth meaningfully.
In his remark, the Director General (DG) of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Ono Akpe, appreciated Governor Diri for approving such a platform to curb youths’ restiveness in the State, describing the tournament as the largest grassroots football tournament in Africa.
The opening match was between the defending champion Crusaders F.C of Peretorugbene and Police Machine F.C of Yenagoa.
The match ended 3nil in favor of the Crusaders.
In attendance was, the President of the Nigerian Super Eagles Supporters Club, Dr. Johnson Dagana, member representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi, member representing Ekeremor Constituency 1 and the House Committee Chairman of sports, Hon. Tari Porri, other members of the House, Hon. Solomon Agwana, Chairman of Bayelsa State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), local government ghairmen and other top government functionaries.