CurrentReport Blog The Federal Government has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for his significant contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria. The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, praised Governor Diri during the final of the 6th edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa on Saturday.
Enoh, who attended the final games between NDU Queens and Peremo Academy in the female category and Ogboinbiri and Nembe City in the male category, noted that Governor Diri has been a constant and influential figure in Nigeria’s sports sector since he took office.
“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,” said Enoh. “Wherever I have gone, this governor keeps recurring. He consistently provides 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 Minister highlighted Governor Diri’s ongoing efforts to promote football and other sports, not only in Bayelsa but also in support of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He also noted the significant role Bayelsa plays in the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali.
With over 200 teams registered, the Prosperity Cup is a model other states should emulate, said Enoh. He hinted that the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), might launch a similar national grassroots competition, inspired by Governor Diri’s initiative.
During his visit to the Government House, Governor Diri emphasized the economic potential of football and other sports. He underscored his administration’s commitment to nurturing young talents and providing them opportunities to shine on the global stage.
Governor Diri noted, “This competition is not just urban-based; it is also community-based. You can imagine a team from Ogboinbiri, all the way from Southern Ijaw, subduing the urban teams from Yenagoa. I am very happy with the organisers of this competition. Mr. Ono Akpe and his group have done so well.”
The closing ceremony was graced by dignitaries including the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, represented by his Sports Commissioner, Mr. Yusuf Ali, and the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, who lauded the introduction of the female version of the tournament. The Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emiefenim, praised the state government for its dedication to sports development, pledging further support for Bayelsa United and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Ogboinbiri emerged victorious in the male category with a 3-0 win over Nembe City, receiving a cash prize of N5 million, while NDU Queens triumphed in the female category with a lone goal victory over Peremo Academy, earning N1 million. The total prize money for the tournament was N15 million.
The Prosperity Cup continues to set a benchmark for grassroots sports development in Nigeria, with plans for even greater achievements in the next edition.
