By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu, has insisted that the revival of the Governor’s Cup tournament on the state will help in the provision of platform for youths to exploit those God given talents and be exposed beyond the national scene to the global pedestal.
Atsu made the remarks during the unveiling of the state’s Governor’s Cup tournament, which took place at the UJ Esuene’s Stadium, in Calabar, yesterday.
She said that the competition would help the state government to hunt and fish out new talents, and expose them beyond the national platform.
The commissioner stated that so far, the competition has been in limbo for several years and kick-starting it demonstrates the commitment and determination of the state governor to the development of sports.
She stressed that the competition will start simultaneously in four urban towns of Yala, Ikom, Ugep and Calabar and will be tagged “Sweet Prince Football Competition.”
In his earlier remarks, the chairman of the state Football Association, Pastor Essien Ayi, said that since the beginning of this political dispensation in 1999, this is the first time this kind of event is happening in the state.
He stressed that the competition will spark up football revolution in the state, as the season sweetness is impacting on football development in the state.
Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, CRHA, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, who represented the state governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, who unveiled the tournament, said that the competition is facing revival after 24 years of being in the cooler.
Otu presented the trophy and football to the state Ministry of Sports Development and the state Football Association at the occasion to kick start the competition.
He said that reviving the competition is consistent with the policy of the current administration to revive ailing sectors of the state’s economy.
Also speaking, wife of the governor of Cross River State, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, stated that the competition holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
Represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Faith Okon, the wife of the governor stated that the revival of the competition shall bring the people of the state together and strengthen the bonds that binds communities.
She said, “This competition holds a special place in our hearts, because it not only showcases 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.”
