By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Thursday, charged the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the state to showcase high standards in the conduct of ongoing Governor’s Cup football tournament in order to strengthen the bond of unity and peace amongst the people.
Governor Eno, who stated this at the opening of the competition at the newly renovated Uyo Township Stadium, also stressed the need to encourage younger stars participating in the tournament to exhibit their football skills.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor maintained that his administration prioritizes youth development, emancipation, and empowerment as captured in his ARISE Agenda for greater Akwa Ibom State.
The governor added, “I emphasize the need for the discovery of talents. And emphasize youth participation. I am happy to hear that the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has taken this initiative going forward.
“Youth development, emancipation, and empowerment is the cardinal objective of this administration. Unity, peace, and fair play must be emphasized by all participants and the organizers”.
All 31 local government areas in the state are participants in the tournament where restrictions are placed on registered Nigeria Professional League players only.
Uyo, the city capital boys and the defending champions, Nsit Ubium, Governor Umo Eno’s home team locked horns in the opening match which, had the deputy governor performing the kicked off, ended 1-1 goal.
Otuekong Sunday on jersey number 14 who scored the lone goal for Uyo team emerged best player.
Recall during the the draws ceremony for the competition, the Commissioner for Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong had announced One million Naira as prize money for best behaved team.
Archibong while thanking the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for reviving the competition after eleven years, said his ministry alongside Association of Local Governments in Nigeria – ALGON would work to ensure the success of the talent hunting competition.
“Your Excellency, let me thank you for the revival of this talent hunting tournament. This tournament previously had produced so many stars for Akwa Ibom State, so there was no reason to allow it die and as your Commissioner for local government, alongside the local government chairmen we assure you that this will be a pacesetting tournament for the state.”
