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NDDC Donates Medical Equipment To Rivers Health Centre

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NDDC Donates Medical Equipment To Rivers Health Centre

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated medical equipment to the Model Primary Health Care Centre, Orogbum Community, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality healthcare in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the handover at the Health Centre, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the intervention aligns with the Commission’s mandate to enhance healthcare delivery and improve the well-being of people in communities across the region.

He noted that access to functional healthcare facilities remained critical to sustainable development and reiterated the Commission’s determination to support initiatives that improve health outcomes for Niger Delta residents.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, stated that the donation was made to support the health centre in enhancing service delivery.

According to Ogbuku, the donations are part of the Commission’s efforts to equip healthcare institutions with the tools and resources needed to deliver efficient, effective medical services. “The NDDC remains committed to promoting quality healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that communities in the Niger Delta have access to essential medical services. This intervention reflects our dedication to improving the lives and well-being of our people,” he said.

Receiving the medical equipment on behalf of the Primary Health Centre, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Chituru Adele, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the intervention, describing the donation as a significant boost to the facility’s capacity to provide quality healthcare services. “I thank the NDDC for providing this medical equipment and supporting the Primary Health Centre for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Tonye Lawson-Jack, described the donated items as essential diagnostic tools that would improve healthcare delivery. He urged the management of the health centre to ensure that the equipment were properly maintained and utilised.

He further encouraged the NDDC to continue monitoring the impact of its interventions, stating, “If you invest in a project, you should be interested in seeing that the investment grows. When we are doing well, tell others; when we are not doing well, let us know so we can improve.”

The Head of the Primary Health Centre, Dr Nwabueze Blessing, also expressed gratitude to the NDDC, stating that the donation would enhance healthcare services at the facility and improve service delivery for both healthcare workers and patients.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, CDC, Mr Bright Ogbonda, commended the Managing Director of the NDDC for his transformational leadership in the region.

Some of the items donated included glucometers, examination couches, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment.

 

Prosperity Cup Organizers Celebrate ‎Ada Gwegwe At 50 ‎

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Prosperity Cup Organizers Celebrate ‎Ada Gwegwe At 50 ‎

Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have congratulated renowned grassroots coach, Ada Gwegwe on the occasion of his golden jubilee anniversary.
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‎In a congratulatory message, the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe and the Deputy Director General, Mr. Perela Aboro, on behalf of Central Organizing Committee, COC, commended Ada for his impactful grassroots developmental programmes in the State and the nation.
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‎According to the statement, Ada’s passion in the development of youths in the State has changed the fortunes of many young footballers in the country, pointing out that his commitment towards taking the youths out of the street has placed him above his peers, describing him as a goal getter.
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‎The statement notes that his achievements would be cherished and remembered as milestone attainments for the nation, stating that Coach Ada Gwegwe has written his name with gold.
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‎It notes that the celebrant has used his academy, Yenagoa City Football Academy, YCFA to change the narrative of many grassroots players in the State.
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‎”Today, we celebrate a man who has impacted many youths in Bayelsa and beyond through his grassroots developmental programmes. We are happy with the milestone you have achieved” the statement said.
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‎”So, on behalf of the COC and the sports community in the State, we wish to congratulate this gifted coach for attaining this grand chapter of his life, we pray for the Almighty God to continue to protect you”, the statement added.

Prosperity Cup Organizers Conratulate Gov. Douye Diri On 67th Birthday

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Prosperity Cup Organizers Conratulate Gov. Douye Diri On 67th Birthday
The Central Organizing Committee of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Prosperity Cup — Nigeria’s premier grassroots football competition — has felicitated with His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, on the occasion of his 67th birthday.
In a congratulatory message, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, described Governor Diri as a humble, compassionate, and an exceptionally resourceful leader whose uncommon sense of duty continues to advance the development of Bayelsa State.
Mr. Akpe commended the Governor’s landmark achievements in infrastructural development, particularly the construction of the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and the 5,000-capacity stadium at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
He further lauded the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Spanish football giants FC Barcelona and the Bayelsa State Government for the upgrade and expansion of the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, an FC Barcelona-affiliated academy. According to him, the MoU underscores the Governor’s deep commitment to grassroots football and sports development in general.
The statement highlighted the peace and stability the state currently enjoys, as well as the Governor’s patriotic and unrelenting service, noting that Bayelsa has been repositioned over the last six years of his administration.
Mr. Akpe also acknowledged the Governor’s investment in sports, which has translated into sustained success for Bayelsa athletes. These include the state’s dominance at the National Sports Festival, Niger Delta Sports Festival, National Para Games, and Nestle Milo All Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, as well as Bayelsa Queens’ dominance of the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the double triumph of the state’s male and female teams in the 2021 AITEO Cup in Benin City.
“Since your emergence as Governor, you have remained irrevocably committed to your ASSURED Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure, sports, agriculture, education, healthcare, political tolerance, and justice for all, irrespective of tribe, creed, party affiliation, or religion,” the message stated.
“We are also delighted at the rapid progress recorded by the Bayelsa Starlets Academy barely weeks after the MoU was signed. The Academy’s confirmation by the Nationwide League One, NLO to participate in the U-19 Youth League is a clear evidence that more opportunities are opening for our youths,” Mr. Akpe added.
On behalf of the Central Organizing Committee, he prayed that God should grant the Governor many more years in good health to continue rendering selfless service to the people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

NDDC Hails President Tinubu For Steadfast Leadership

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NDDC Hails President Tinubu For Steadfast Leadership
The Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful completion of the third year of his Renewed Hope Administration.
Members of the NDDC Board, led by the Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence at the weekend.
The NDDC delegation, which included the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, thanked the President for his “visionary leadership, steadfast commitment to national development, and unwavering support for the Niger Delta region.”
According to the NDDC Managing Director, the meeting with President Tinubu afforded the Commission the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s progress in delivering its mandate, particularly in executing strategic projects across the Niger Delta region.
He stated: “We briefed the President on our key activities, ongoing interventions, and development efforts across the Niger Delta. We reaffirmed our alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reiterated our commitment to driving inclusive growth, infrastructure development, improved livelihoods, and sustainable transformation in the Niger Delta.”
“We also briefed him on the Commission’s efforts to carry out his mandate to us to ensure the completion of ongoing projects to accelerate sustainable development and improve the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta region.”
Ogbuku declared: “In alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the NDDC Governing Board remains resolute in its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that foster progress, prosperity, and improved livelihoods for the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

Industrial Court Orders CBN to Remove Former Banker from Blacklist, Declares Misconduct Allegations Insufficient

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Industrial Court Orders CBN to Remove Former Banker from Blacklist, Declares Misconduct Allegations Insufficient

Hon. Justice Zaynab Bashir of the National Industrial Court, Portharcourt Judicial Division has ordered that the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately remove the name of one Blessing from its blacklist, thereby restoring her eligibility for employment within the Nigerian financial sector.

The Court declared that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s conduct is not only inconsistent with the letter of the Guidelines but also offends the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, which the Guidelines were designed to uphold.

On the facts, the claimant, Blessing, averred that she is unaware of the specific facts or circumstances that led to her inclusion on the blacklist maintained by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Counsel stated that the only information available to the Claimant was communicated through her employer, from whom she has now resigned.

Blessing further averred that, during the pendency of the case, she was advised by her employer to resign pending the resolution of the issue, and she accordingly tendered her resignation.

Learned Counsel to Blessing further contended that his client made formal inquiries to both Fidelity Bank and CBN, requesting clarification based on her blacklisting, but was not furnished with any substantive response, save for an indication from Fidelity Bank that an internal investigation was ongoing.

In defence, the 1st defendant- Fidelity Bank filed a notice of preliminary objection and urged the court to strike out the case for want of jurisdiction and competence. Counsel argued that prior to the termination of Blessing’s employment with Fidelity Bank, she was confronted with acts of misconduct and that such conduct justified the Bank in reporting the same to the industry regulator in order to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Fidelity Bank further contended that Blessing has not approached the Court with clean hands, having allegedly suppressed material facts relating to her misconduct.

The 2nd defendant- Central Bank of Nigeria also urged the court to strike out the case on the ground that the Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain same against the 2nd Defendant, on the ground that the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to the 2nd Defendant as an agency of the Federal Government, and that the subject matter of the suit pertains to the regulatory powers of the CBN.

Counsel argued that Blessing failed to establish that her name was indeed placed on the blacklist maintained by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and that the claim is therefore unsubstantiated. Counsel accordingly urged the Court to dismiss Blessing’s suit for lacking merit.

In reply, learned counsel to Blessing argued that the reliefs sought by Blessing, particularly the restoration of her eligibility for employment within the financial sector, are intrinsically linked to her right to work and to be employed, which are matters squarely within the jurisdiction of this Court.

Blessing’s counsel, A. I. Salami, contended that the CBN cannot rely on evasive denials to join issues with his client, and that the facts deposed to by Blessing remain substantially unchallenged, and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

In a well-considered judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Zaynab Bashir, dismissed the Fidelity Bank and CBN preliminary objections and held that the inevitable consequence of this constitutional arrangement is that where a dispute involves a Federal Government agency and simultaneously arises from or is connected with employment or labour relations, jurisdiction resides exclusively in the National Industrial Court.

 

On the substantive matter, the Court reasoned that a holistic reading of Clause 7.0 of the CBN Revised Guidelines For Blacklisting For Banks And Other Financial Institutions In Nigeria reveals that the mere existence of misconduct is not sufficient, in and of itself, to warrant blacklisting. Rather, the misconduct must attain a certain threshold of gravity, measured against the level of harm occasioned and supported by verifiable and credible evidence.

Justice Zaynab noted there is no evidence before this Court to establish that the alleged conduct by Fidelity Bank resulted in any significant harm to the institution or its customers, nor is there any indication that it falls within the category of grave offences contemplated under the CBN Guidelines.

The Court stated that instead of the Fidelity Bank and CBN complying with the prescribed procedure, the Fidelity Bank merely facilitated the termination of Blessing’s employment through her direct employer and thereafter proceeded, without demonstrated due process, to subject her to the far more severe consequence of blacklisting.

The Court declared that Fidelity Bank has no record or proof of any offence directly incriminating Blessing, within the meaning of the Revised Guidelines for Blacklisting for Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, that would warrant her inclusion on the blacklist maintained by the CBN.

“It is also instructive that while the 1st Defendant alleged multiple instances of misconduct, only a single incident was placed before this Court. Even in respect of that incident, the evidence falls short of establishing a basis for blacklisting within the contemplation of the applicable regulatory framework.”

 

NDDC Reaffirms Commitment To Human Capacity Building

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NDDC Reaffirms Commitment To Human Capacity Building
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to human capacity development, particularly by equipping the staff of the Directorate of Project Monitoring and Supervision, PMS, with the skills and knowledge required for effective service delivery.
Speaking during a two-day workshop for the staff, the Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowanle, described the workshop as a refresher course and induction programme for old and new staff. He explained that the training was designed to acquaint participants with the fundamental principles of PMS operations and the Commission’s monitoring procedures.
According to him, every staff member in the Directorate must understand the step-by-step approach required for effective project monitoring within the Commission.
A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs noted that he added that the training would also strengthen the integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality expected of staff while carrying out their duties.
Omowanle expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for approving the workshop, titled: “Building Competence for Effective Project Oversight and Development Outcomes,” for the benefit of staff in the Project Monitoring and Supervision Directorate.
In his remarks, the Lead Consultant for the training, Mr Dagogo Tolofari, emphasised that PMS staff play a crucial role in monitoring infrastructural projects executed by the Commission. He noted that engineers involved in project supervision must be equipped with modern technology and the technical know-how needed for effective quality monitoring.
Tolofari further stated that the workshop would expose participants to field realities and some of the strategies commonly employed by contractors. He added that the training would equip staff with modern tools and contemporary monitoring techniques while ensuring the quality of NDDC projects is maintained.
Delivering a lecture on “Ethical Issues in Supervision,” a resource person, Dr Dada Joseph, identified unethical conduct as one of the major challenges confronting project monitoring. He stressed that the PMS Directorate remained critical to the success of the NDDC and urged staff to always uphold integrity in discharging their responsibilities.
He stated: “Corruption exists everywhere in the world, but for us as a developing country, it remains a serious challenge. As staff of the PMS Directorate, document exactly what you observe in the field and submit your findings appropriately. Do not compromise. Contractors may attempt to influence you, but once you understand that your first loyalty is to the NDDC, you will always do the right thing,” he stated.
One of the participants, Engr. Akpekpe Jairus said the training had given the participants deeper insight into tracking NDDC projects. He noted that before now, PMS staff in state offices usually travelled to the headquarters to obtain project information, but with the introduction of the Project Monitoring Information System, PMIS, staff could now track projects from any location.

NLO Confirms that Prosperity Cup Selected Side, Bayelsa Starlets Academy Will Participate in the U-19 Youth League

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NLO Confirms that Prosperity Cup Selected Side, Bayelsa Starlets Academy Will Participate in the U-19 Youth League
…As Tournament Organizers thank Premium Trust Bank , others for their commitment to sports development
The Nationwide League One has confirmed that Bayelsa Starlets Academy will participate in the 2026 National League One (NLO) U-19 Youth League
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‎The confirmation, contained in a letter by the league body, and titled “Confirmation of Status of Bayelsa Starlets Football Academy (U-19 Youth League)”, was signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo.
According to the letter, the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, which is affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, Technical Advisers to the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
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‎The letter further stated that the club, being an affiliate of the Bayelsa State Football Association, shall play all its home matches in Bayelsa State and operate in line with league statutes, except where the NLO Congress directs otherwise.
According to the letter dated Thursday, 21st of May, 2026, “The Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby confirms that the above-named Football Academy, affiliated to the Bayelsa State Football Association, will from the 2026 season, join the Nationwide League One, U-19 Youth League. The Academy took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
“The Nationwide League One Secretariat has received the details of the transaction between both parties and can confirm that De-Gideon has no known liabilities”.
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‎The letter advised the Academy to liaise with the Bayelsa State Football Association for further information regarding players’ registration and other documentation required for participation in the 2026 NLO season.
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‎Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Startlets Academy and Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, said the news reflects the government’s commitment towards giving the youths in the State a better life through sports, maintaining that the NLO U-19 Youth League would open another chapter for young players in the State.
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‎According to him, screening for the Bayelsa Starlets Academy commenced immediately after the season 8 of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, under the supervision of a FIFA renowed instructor and Technical Adviser, Coach Edema Fuludu, ably assisted by Ebezener Atayero and other experienced coaches, pointing out that all the players in the academy are products of the just-concluded edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged, the Prosperity Cup.
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‎He noted that he was pleased with the growing confidence of the players in the team, stating that the momentum in the team reflects the commitment and determination of the lads.
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‎Mr Akpe commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the deputy governor, Dr Peter Akpe  the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for investing in the youths through sports, stressing that the governor’s passion for sports development was the reason behind the tournament’s success story.
He also saluted the lead sponsors of the tournament  Premium Trust Bank for their commitment to sports development saying ” the commitment and support of Premium Trust Bank to sports development is unprecedented and must be commended across the country.  We salute the Chief Executive and Managing Director Dr Emmanuel Emefienim and the entire bank for thier faith in the youths of Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole”
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‎It will be recalled that the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, founded in 2019, and now upgraded and expanded, participated in the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde where they finished third among international clubs, and later went on to win the Bayelsa State League in 2020.

Ogbuku Reaffirms Commitment To Reforms In NDDC

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Ogbuku Reaffirms Commitment To Reforms In NDDC
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ongoing reforms and digitisation to enhance service delivery across the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku made this known during a working visit to the NDDC Bayelsa State Office in Yenagoa, where he engaged members of staff and commended their dedication and professionalism.
The Managing Director expressed delight at the warm reception accorded him and praised the workforce for their resilience and commitment to the renewed vision of repositioning the Commission for greater efficiency and impact.
He noted that staff commitment remains central to the Commission’s drive to deliver sustainable development projects and improve the lives of people in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the interaction with staff provided an opportunity to strengthen internal engagement and discuss key developments within the Commission.
Ogbuku briefed the workers on the ongoing policy reforms and digitisation initiatives being implemented by the NDDC, stressing that the measures were critical to modernising the institution and improving operational standards.
He explained that the reforms were designed to streamline workflow processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and eliminate inefficiencies that had hindered optimal service delivery in the past.
The NDDC boss further stated that the digitisation programme would promote transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency, while creating a more responsive system capable of meeting the region’s developmental needs.
He urged members of staff to embrace the reforms and remain committed to the Commission’s transformation agenda, noting that their cooperation and professionalism were essential to achieving the desired results.
Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s resolve to build a stronger and more effective institution that would continue to deliver on its mandate and restore public confidence in the NDDC.
The visit formed part of his broader working tour and stakeholder engagement aimed at advancing the Commission’s renewed vision for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The Director of the Bayelsa State office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, on behalf of the staff, thanked the Managing Director for giving them the opportunity to interact meaningfully.
He assured the Managing Director that they would not relent in their efforts to provide quality service that would continue to benefit the region.

Lagos State Baales Forum Congratulates Oba Akiolu on 23rd Anniversary on the Throne

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Lagos State Baales Forum Congratulates Oba Akiolu on 23rd Anniversary on the Throne

The umbrella body of traditional rulers and chiefs in Lagos State, the Lagos State Baales Forum, has congratulated the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on the occasion of his 23rd anniversary on the throne, describing him as a reservoir of wisdom, peace, and exemplary leadership.

The Forum stated that Oba Akiolu has remained a leading light in promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and brotherliness in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, while sustaining the cultural heritage and traditional values of the state.

In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday and signed by the Forum’s Chairman, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo ( Baale of Ijeododo) the Oba- Elect of Ijeododo, the group said the foremost royal father, who also serves as Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, has continued to distinguish himself through grassroots engagement, consultations, conflict resolution, and community development initiatives across the state.

According to the Forum, the monarch has consistently demonstrated courage, wisdom, and patriotism in handling sensitive traditional and socio-political matters over the past two decades, thereby contributing significantly to the stability and growth of Lagos State.

The Baales commended Oba Akiolu for his fatherly role among traditional rulers and Baales across the state, noting that his leadership has strengthened the traditional institution and enhanced collaboration between communities and government authorities.

“Oba Akiolu has remained one of the strongest pillars of traditional leadership in Nigeria. In the last 23 years, he has used the throne to promote peace, preserve Yoruba cultural heritage, encourage youth development, and support policies that advance the progress of Lagos State,” the statement read.

The Forum further highlighted several areas where the monarch has made remarkable impact since ascending the throne in 2003. These include promoting communal harmony among diverse ethnic groups residing in Lagos, mediating in communal disputes, supporting security initiatives, and advocating stronger respect for traditional institutions.

The Baales also praised the monarch for his consistent advocacy for environmental sanitation, education, grassroots development, and cultural renaissance, particularly through festivals and activities aimed at preserving the identity and history of Lagos.

They noted that under Oba Akiolu’s reign, the palace of the Oba of Lagos has continued to serve as a rallying point for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among political leaders, business stakeholders, religious groups, and residents of the state.

The Forum further acknowledged the monarch’s role in supporting successive administrations in Lagos through wise counsel and strategic interventions on matters affecting governance, security, and social development.

“His reign has brought dignity, stability, and renewed relevance to the traditional institution in Lagos. Oba Akiolu has continued to inspire younger traditional rulers with his wisdom, discipline, courage, and deep commitment to the development of our communities,” the statement added.

The Baales prayed for continued good health, strength, wisdom, and long life for the revered monarch as he continues to serve the people of Lagos and Nigeria at large.

They reaffirmed their loyalty and support to the Oba, pledging continued cooperation with the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs in promoting peace, unity, and grassroots development across the state.

Prosperity Cup: Winners Receives Prize Money

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Prosperity Cup: Winners Receives Prize Money

‎… As Premium Trust Bank Pledges More Support for Sports Development
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‎Winners of season eight of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have received cheques after their triumph in the competition.
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‎The presentation ceremony was done immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa with officials of Premium Trust Bank, the tournament’s lead sponsors, present at the event.
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‎Speaking at the ceremony, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who stressed the need for grassroots sports development, said there cannot be any progress in sports without the input of grassroots, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has brought to the fore, the importance of grassroots football.
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‎Senator Diri, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, urged coaches in the State to embark on grassroots talents hunt programmes in order to discover budden talents that would replace aging athletes across different sports, describing grassroots as the bedrock of sports in every society.
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‎According to him, plans are underway for Bayelsa to host the second edition of the State sports festival, stating that local government area sports festival is aimed at spotting hidden talents in the rural areas.
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‎While commending the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for their steadfastness and commitment, the state helmsman appreciated Premium Trust Bank for its premium investment in the development of sports in the State.
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‎Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, who was represented by the Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Danjuma Omeje, noted that this year’s edition of the tournament was special to the financial institution because it coincides with the bank’s fourth year anniversary.
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‎He hinted that during the anniversary the bank made about one hundred and seventy seven billion Naira Profit Before Tax (PBT) for the first time in the history of any financial institution in the country.
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‎Dr. Omeje assured Bayelsans that the bank will continue to give maximum attention to the development of sports in the State, stating that the institution is desirous to give the youths better opportunities through sports.
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‎A visibly elated Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, earlier in an address of welcome, informed the Bayelsa State Government that five players from the just-concluded edition have been invited by the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Austine Eguavoen, to join the U-20 National football team.
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‎He explained that the players would leave Yenagoa for Abuja on Sunday 24th May, 2026, adding that four of the players will be featured in the U-20 team while one will play in the U-23 National team.
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‎Mr Akpe further explained that the Nigeria Nationwide League One, NLO has given the Prosperity Cup champions and the Prosperity Cup selected team a slot in the NLO to participate in the tournament slated to commence next month, with Yenagoa being picked as a centre.
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‎He lauded the sponsors, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig. Ltd, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigeria Customs Service, Binad Table Water, Agco Engineering and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for the unwavering support to the tournament.
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‎Also speaking at the occasion, the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, urged multinational oil companies operating in the State to emulate Premium Trust Bank by supporting the grassroots football tournament.
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‎In separate interviews, Okoroma United Manager, Jenkins Okardi and Ezougha Queens Coach, Akren Beauty, applauded Premium Trust Bank for investing in grassroots football.
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‎Champions Okoroma United got ₦40,000,000, second placed Akinima/Biogbo went home with ₦13,000,000, Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC who finished third received ₦7,000,000 while 4th placed Krosaders FC smiled home with the sum of ₦2,000,000.
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‎Women’s champions, Active Ladies were rewarded with the sum of ₦10,000,000 for their effort, second position received ₦5,000,000, third placed team got ₦2,000,000 while the 4th placed team got ₦1,000,000, along with other consolation prizes.

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