November 25, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, says the state is ready to harness and export it’s football stars to various parts of the world.
Hon. Atsu disclosed this in Calabar during the kickoff of preparations for this year’s Governor’s Cup tournament at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The Commissioner said football has become a big market with high potentials for economic growth and so the government is set to tap into this market.
In her words, “The aim of this competition is to bring youths from various local government areas with the sole aim of tapping their potentials and expose them nationally and internationally.
“Football today has become a big market with high potentials for economic growth; it is therefore our desire at the end of this competition to capture talents that will be exported to various parts of the world”, she said.
She said the competition has been in limbo for several years and kick-starting it demonstrates the commitment of the governor to the development of sports.
She added that the competition will start simultaneously in four centres namely Yala, Ikom, Ugep and Calabar and will be tagged “Sweet Prince Football Competition.”
In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu said the competition holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by Faith Okon, said with the revival of the competition, they hope to bring the people of the state together and strengthen the bonds that binds communities.
“This competition holds a special place in our hearts because it not only show cases talents embedded in Cross River State but also showcases the rich diversity and cultural heritage of our state.
“The governor’s cup binds together Cross Riverians, promotes a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds that binds us together as communities.
“Let us continue to harness the power of sports to promote unity, foster talent and empower our young people”, she said.
The state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, performed the kick off of the competition and also donated a cup and other soccer accessories.
The governor, who was represented by the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said reviving the competition is consistent with the policy of the current administration to revive dead sectors in the state’s economy.
On his part, the chairman of the state football association, Pastor Essien Ayi said since the beginning of this political dispensation in 1999, this is the first time this kind of event is happening in the state.
He said the competition will spark a football revolution in the state as the season sweetness is impacting football development in the state.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
