By: Rhoda Godwin
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has renewed his call on international oil companies (IOCs) and corporate organisations operating in the state to play a more active role in grassroots sports development, declaring that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of nurturing young talents.
The governor made the appeal during the presentation of a branded jersey to him by members of the Central Organising Committee (COC) of the Prosperity Cup at the Government House in Yenagoa. The symbolic gesture marked the official kick-off of activities for Season 8 of what has become Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competition.
From a modest beginning in 2015, the Prosperity Cup has grown into a football spectacle that unites communities across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas. This year, no fewer than 257 teams have registered to compete, reflecting the tournament’s expanding reach and enduring appeal among youths.
Governor Diri, while performing the ceremonial distribution of kits to three of the participating teams — Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and a para-soccer team — expressed pride in the tournament’s phenomenal growth. The kits included footballs, players’ and coaches’ jerseys, shorts and stockings, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports.
According to the governor, sports development remains incomplete without a strong grassroots structure. He stressed that engaging youths productively through football and other sporting activities is a proven strategy to curb restiveness and foster unity.
“Sports is a powerful tool for youth engagement and empowerment,” Diri noted. “But government cannot do it alone. We call on oil companies, corporate organisations and well-meaning Bayelsans to support this initiative that is shaping the future of our young people.”
He also commended the organisers for introducing a refresher course for referees under the State Referees Council, urging match officials to uphold integrity and fairness throughout the competition.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of lead sponsors, including Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Plc, Niger Delta Development Commission, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, describing their investment in sports as a contribution to long-term social stability.
Shortly after the ceremony, the official draws for Season 8 were conducted at the Golden Tulip Resort, Secretariat of the Prosperity Cup organisers. Deputy Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro, described the draw process as transparent and inclusive, assuring teams of a hitch-free competition.
He revealed that deliberate efforts were made to cluster teams close to their base to reduce transportation costs, a move widely applauded by participating clubs.
The draws produced exciting fixtures across centres. At the Okpoama centre in Brass Local Government Area, Canaan FC will face Sangana FC, while Ibidi FC hosts Igoni FC. Tough Dynamites are set to clash with Egweama FC as Amaogbo FC confronts Formosa FC.
In Nembe LGA, Fantua FC will battle Okoroba FC at the Opu-Nembe centre. Young Ranger FC will take on Mangrove Ace FC, Genesis FC meets Victory FC, and MC FC squares up against Nembe City.
At the Kolo centre in Ogbia LGA, Abagi FC will tango with Diocese of Ogbia, Movers FC of Otuasega battles Emeyal 2 FC, Ewoi FC faces neighbours Onuebum FC, while BYCOTECH FC locks horns with Chief Street FC.
Beyond competition, Season 8 will be preceded by a four-day international coaching clinic for grassroots coaches. The clinic will be conducted by officials from Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona, who serve as the tournament’s international technical advisers. The initiative is expected to elevate coaching standards and expose local trainers to global best practices.
For many participants, including Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida, the tournament represents more than silverware. “This edition will be historic,” he said, expressing excitement about the coaching clinic and improved organisation.
As anticipation builds, the Prosperity Cup continues to embody Bayelsa’s sporting aspirations — a grassroots movement powered by passion, community pride and a shared vision for youth development. With Season 8 set to unfold, Governor Diri’s message is clear: sustainable sports development requires collective responsibility, and the time for corporate Bayelsa to step up is now.
