By Daily Sports on March 24, 2018

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), has directed the state Ministry of Sports Development to include the Governor Dickson Ogbia Unity Cup football fiesta in the state sports calendar.

According to him, similar events should be replicated in every local government area of the state.

John-Jonah gave the directive during the grand-finale match of Gov. Dickson Ogbia Unity Cup popularly called the Ogbia Challenge, between the Otuasega and Otuokpoti communities foo ball match at the Opume playing ground in LGA.

The Deputy Governor said the football competition falls in line with the restoration government policy of youth engagement with a view to steering them away from the notorious vises of crime, drug and cultism.

He said that the Seriake Dickson Administration is committed to promoting progammes that would promote the well-being of the youth since the future of the state lies in their proper upbringing, explaining that the state government investment in the construction stadia and other sporting centres across the state is part of government’s deliberate efforts at ensuring that the latent talent of the Bayelsa youth is groomed to blossom in a way that will make stars out of him.

Beyond all these, the retired naval chief, who was also a footballer in his youth, said that sporting activities also have the potential to promote public peace and communal harmony in view of its unifying factor.

He commended the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and the Ogbia Restoration Crusaders, the organisers of the football competition, describing them as true love of peace and unity who should be emulated by all.

In her welcome address, the chairperson, Ogbia Local Government Caretaker Committee, Mrs. Naomi Ogoli, said the positive engagement of youth may ultimately be a potent tool at crime fighting, Ogoli said crime rate in Ogbia dropped drastically during the three-week event and called for more sporting activities.

She also expressed he willingness to partner with good spirited individuals and corporate organisation in sponsoring sporting and skill acquisition programmes with a view to make the youth productive and self-reliant.

The Royal father of the day, the Obanibam of Ogbia, HRM Charles Owaba, called on all Ogbai daughters and sons to embrace the values of brotherliness, unity and peace in other to put the Ogbia Kingdom on a fast lane of development.

Hon. Daniel Iworiso Markson, who gave the vote of thanks, commended the Deputy Governor for gracing the finals of the Gov. Dickson Unity Cup. He also commended the Secretary to Government, Barr. Kamela, Okara and other top government functionaries for finding time to be in Opume.

He said with the tournament a new vista of peace and unity has arrived Ogba. According to the information Commissioner, with the development Ogbia Kingdom is set to witnessed rebirth and development.

Earlier, there was a tension-filled encounter between the hard-fighting Otuasega and Otuokpti football team.

Otuasega ran away with victory with a lone goal and lifted the virgin trophy.

Highlights of the events were the presentation of various cash prizes to the participating team, cultural display amidst singing and dancing.

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 24, 2018

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