By Hananeel Jackson
The chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Bayelsa State Council, Mr Laye Julius has commended the organizers of Bayelsa State governors cup tagged the Prosperity Cup for maintaining the standard from inception to date.
About 214 teams have registered for the showpiece which is the biggest grassroots football tournament in Nigeria as they battle for total prize money of N11 Million.
Mr Julius in an interview hailed the commitment of the organisers and the Bayelsa government for sustaining the tournament to the level where it has attracted international scouts to be involved.
The former Bayelsa State Football Association vice chairman noted that the competition has brought brotherhood and frenzy amongst communities and players in the state, stating that the competition has also exposed young Bayelsans internationally.
The TUC Chairman explained that the fiesta has not only empowered youths in the State but has provided a platform to be self-reliant as well as showcase their talents.
Mr. Julius asserted that the continuous increase in the number of participating teams was indicative of Bayelsans acceptance for the tournament.
He lauded the governor senator Douye Diri and his deputy senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for giving priority to the development of sports in the State, pointing out that sports is incomplete in Nigeria without Bayelsa.
Eternal Grace Ministry EGM FC of Yenagoa are defending champions beating Odioma FC of Brass 2-1 to clinch the trophy at the Samson Siasia Stadium last year and watched by the Bayelsa State governor Senator Douye Diri and his deputy senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other government functionaries.
