The chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC Bayelsa State Council, Dr.Laye Julius has hailed the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development endorsement on Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governors Football Tournament christened the prosperity cup.
Dr.Julius in an interview with newsmen said he is excited to see the showpiece with the huge endorsement by the federal ministry of sports, stating that football in the country has declined as a result of the absence of good grassroots tournaments.
The former vice chairman of Bayelsa State Football Association noted that the likes of Finidi George, Carlos Binabei Numa, Henry Wosu and Adokiye Amiesiamaka were products of grassroots football, that the only way to have Bayelsa players in the various national teams in future is to invest in grassroots development.
According to him, the endorsement of the prosperity cup is a reflection of the credibility displayed by the organizers of the tournament over the years, pointing out that he is confident of an overwhelming success in this year’s edition.
He commended the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team for the sacrifices they have put in to ensure that the tournament continues to attract global attention, especially the corporate organization and the private sectors describing the feat achieved so far in the tournament as laudable.
The TUC boss, who likened the prosperity cup to the NYSC scheme, asserted that apart from the prize money and medals, the competition has brought brotherliness and frenzy among youths in Bayelsa as well as a means of tourism for players who have not been able to visit other parts of the State.
He explained that the Bayelsa Governors Football Tournament has also boosted local economy, that business usually flourishes in communities chosen as centers during the competition, maintaining that there is a huge improvement in the tournament in every edition.
“I remember as a coordinator in one of the centers, a lady who has a shop close to the pitch the day I told her that we are through with the center. She frowned because her business was booming as a result of the tournament. The organizers have also looked at the shortcomings in each year for corrections”.
The former Bayelsa United chairman equally appreciated the Bayelsa State government and the organizers for sponsoring the team to the African Youth Games in Cape Verde, adding that the trip has exposed many youths particularly Tarabina Bweribo who has become an integral part of Bayelsa United squad, urging other states to emulate Bayelsa in giving the youths a platform to showcase their talents.
