Nembe LGA Chairman Alagoa
Lauds Diri’s Youth Empowerment Through Sports
Nembe City FC emerged Champions of Nembe Local Government Area after seeing off their opponent, Fisherman’s Sons FC by two goals to one at the Nembe City Stadium on Thursday. Goals from Ginah Yahmarabhi and Ayibanumoipre Pulo in each half separated the two sides.
The game played under a clement weather, also proved to be exciting with the display of artistry and doggedness by both teams, each aiming for the coveted local government champion award.
Pacy winger, Ginah Yahmarabhi drew first blood after taking advantage of a defensive error, to send his teammates and fans into wild celebration, but it didn’t last long, as the Fisherman’s Sons FC drew level fifteen minutes later, through young striker, Jackson Idumabo, who slotted the ball beyond the advancing Nembe City goalkeeper, Atebu Ayebaesin.
At the resumption, both sides kept measuring each other for size and created few scoring chances, but it was Nembe City that increased their tally as the energetic left winger, Ayibanumoipre Pulo slotted home from a close range, after the Fisherman’s Sons central defender failed to clear his line.
Chairman Nembe Local Government Area, Hon. David Alagoa who was elated with the performance of both sides, praised the Governor, Senator Douye Diri for throwing his weight behind the competition, as it will continuously engage the youths and also help to sharpen their skills in football.
He assured of his administration’s readiness to key into the vision of the Prosperity mantra of the Governor, by using sports to empower and uplift the people of Nembe, describing sports as a sure means of improving health and eradicating poverty.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, while alluding to the fact that the Prosperity Cup is one of the most followed competitions in the country, urged the youths, teams and communities to take it more seriously, as a lot of programs will follow, such as the scouting and coaching clinic, which are all geared towards building capacity in the youths of Bayelsa State.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Head, Human Resources Management in the Sports Ministry, Mr Mike Ede-Alakere, also appreciated the Nembe Local Government Chairman for his successfully hosting the finals.
On his part, Deputy Director-General Corporate Affairs, Deacon Emmanuel Appah stated that the local government council finals as a new initiative in the 6th edition sought to cement the unity established by the tournament in the communities and produce a champion at the local government level before the main final at the state level.
Deacon Appah, on behalf of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), appreciated the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Sports Commissioner, Hon Daniel Baralate Igali for their pragmatic efforts in ensuring sports thrive in the state, particularly the Prosperity Cup, which has become a household name in the country.
He added that foreign scouts will be in the state by the end of June to spot talents for possible deals abroad, which is in line with the governor’s vision for the youths of the state.
At the end of the final a plaque and the sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) was presented to the winners, Nembe City FC, as well as a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to the runner-up, Fisherman’s Sons FC, by the Chairman of Nembe Council Area, Hon. David Alagoa, courtesy of the Prosperity Cup organisers. The Chairman on his part gave balls to the finalists with a promise to support the team as the prepare for the round of 32 and the international scouting exercise later in Yenagoa.
In his vote of thanks, Tournament Director Perela Aboro appreciated the Chairman and everyone who made the final possible assuring that the scouting program will definitely yield good results.
The Prosperity Team led by the Director-General Ono Akpe moves to Oporoma for the Southern Ijaw Final on Friday with Ogboinbiri FC taking on Adule-Ama FC.
