Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has said that the revival of the Governor’s Cup Competition underscores his multi-pronged approach to youth development.
This was contained on Friday in his goodwill message at the Akwa Ibom State 2023 Governor’s Cup Draws, held at the Governor’s Office Annex, Uyo.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Eno said his administration will create an enabling environment for young football stars to achieve their dreams.
“This competition will help us identify and motivate special talents among our football loving youth into global reckoning,” he said “It will help the Ministry of Youth and Sports assemble a formidable team which will represent our State in national and other sports festivals.”
The governor who expressed no doubt that there are Ronaldos, Messis, Etim Esins, Friday Ekpos, Okochas, Kanu Nwankwos, Vincent Enyeamas, etc among the youth said that they can not afford to allow them waste.
“Our duty is to create an enabling environment for them to bloom, achieve their dreams and maximize their potential. This competition comes handy in that regard,” he continued, “Moreover, this competition demonstrates our determination to fully implement the ARISE Agenda.
He said when they had the innovative Akwa Ibom Dialogue, this competition was part of the recommended sectoral roadmap for the sports sector adding that now, they are witnessing its implementation, to prove that they didn’t gather at Ibom Icon Hotels to play politics or waste time.
Pastor Eno who disclosed the planned establishment of a world-class Leadership and Business School, as well as a Business Incubation Centre, also noted that his administration will also invest massively in the agricultural and sports sectors.
While promising to be physically present to perform the kick-off of the tournament, he used the occasion to charge the Ministry of Youths and Sports to engage competent officials, with a clear-cut Code of Conduct, in order to instill public confidence in the competition.
On his part, Truth Live News gathered that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, explained that the tournament which covers the 31 local government areas, will further strengthen the bond of unity and peace existing among youths in the state.
While thanking the state Governor for approving the competition, the Commissioner said that the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free outing.
Others who spoke at the event include Chairman of the Tournament, Elder Paul Bassey, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong and the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Iniobong Robson.
The event which is slated to begin on September 21, 2023, featured draws for the tournament among others.