Football enthusiasts in Bayelsa State have described the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup as a “movement” that has changed the fortunes of grassroots football in the nation.
They made the assertion at Rhythm FM 94.7 during an interactive session with organizers of the tournament.
A caller, Royal Prince lauded the idea of the tournament, saying that since the introduction of the competition in 2015, youths in Bayelsa have been positively impacted, stating that this year’s edition has been remarkable with more innovations.
Another caller who gave his name as Last Bus stop, commended the organizers of the tournament for the yearly innovations, maintaining that the governor’s support for grassroots football has further placed Bayelsa as a leading sporting state in the country.
Also, a caller identified as Promise noted that the Prosperity Cup is beyond winning the prize money and trophy and that the competition has become a movement, with the youths channeling their energy towards football, stating that this year’s edition has shown that the Prosperity Cup being tagged the biggest grassroots football tournament was no fluke.
He asserted that the competition has improved the growth of women football in Bayelsa and that he was marveled by the quality of football he has witnessed in the women’s tournament, urging coaches of Bayelsa Queens to go around the various centres to scout for budden talents.
Assessing the level of progress in the tournament, the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi said activities have commenced ahead of the grand finale slated for Friday, 8th May, 2026 with the scouting programme starting on Monday, 4th alongside the semi finals.
He explained that the quarter finals will start on Saturday, 2nd May, 2026 in two centres; Otuasega and the Golf pitch Onopa, Yenagoa while the para-soccer and third place matches for the tournament will be on 6th and 7th of May, 2026.
Mr Avi hinted that the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Director General, National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade, Director General National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shuaibu and the Managing Director, Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim will be in Yenagoa for the grand finale.
Also speaking, Media Officer of the tournament, Mr. Hananeel Jackson, affirmed that 530 goals were scored in the preliminary rounds, 180 games were decided in regulation time while 40 matches were settled via penalty shootout.
Hananeel explained that 5,700 players and 680 team officials including coaches are taking part in the tournament, pointing out that 34 goals were recorded in the Round of 32, averaging 2.13 goals per match.
Prosperity Cup: Football Enthusiasts Describe Tournament As a Movement.
WPRF: Presidents Tinubu, Hichilema Accept Chief Host and Keynote Speaker Roles – Global Alliance
Ahead of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) taking place in Abuja – Nigeria this November, the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management has officially announced the confirmation of Nigeria’s President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Chief Host and his Zambia’s counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema as Keynote Speaker.
In a release today at Portugal, the President of Global Alliance, Prof. Justin Green said that the buy-in of two Presidents from Africa is a clear indication that Africa as a continent is truly prepared to give the world the Biggest, Brightest and Boldest global public relations event in Nigeria.
He also confirmed the attendance of United Nations Under-Secretary General for Global Communication, Melissa Fleming and the Director of Communication in INTERPOL, Samuel Heath, who will be participating as Speakers during the week-long event.
“The theme, Responsible Communication, the Voice of the World, resonates with our long quest for the inclusion of Responsible Communication as the 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and we are happy that the Forum in Nigeria from 15th—21st November will extensively focus on this critical subject”, Prof. Green said.
He stated that as an organisation, Global Alliance will offer the needed support to Nigeria to host the Biggest, Brightest and Boldest World Public Relations in November, where over 126 countries will meet for a common purpose — Responsible Communication.
Reacting to the development, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, disclosed that the Institute is working closely with the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and other public relations associations across the continent to ensure that Africa gives to the world, something different and the best.
Stanley Ogadigo
Director, Public Relations NIPR
29-4-2026
NIPR, DAAR, NUJ, Prof. Ozekhome, Others Extol Akiotu at 67
It was an evening of encomium as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) hosted a 67th birthday dinner in honour of veteran media icon, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, who was recently elected the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).
At the event in Abuja on Thursday, 30th April, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku emphasised that the Institute identifies with excellence, which the celebrant represents, noting that the gathering was a way of showing appreciation, building relationships and sustaining partnerships.
He thanked High Chief Akiotu for his support to the Institute during his days in DAAR Communications Plc where he served as the Group Managing Director, a gesture he added that NIPR deeply appreciates.
“When you celebrate and build relationship, you sustain partnership, nobody can do it alone. NIPR is a great beneficiary of partnership and collaboration and thanks to people like Senior High Chief Akiotu”, he stated.
While commending the celebrant for his efforts in positioning AIT as a media organisation for people in need to find succour, the NIPR boss encouraged him to approach his new task as the helmsman of BON with same level of zeal and determination he has always brought to fore in service.
“It’s not easy to find people like Senior High Chief Akiotu who have made their marks and still want to serve. Many people are looking up to you on your new assignment. Your predecessors have done their bits. What I keep telling people is, if you can’t do better than your predecessor, you have no business occupying that seat. Your work is cut out for you. You must do better than those before you. I know you have the capacity”, he noted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jr. describe the celebrant as a man of tremendous character, goodwill, and very passionate about anything he is committed to.
Dokpesi Jr., who was a co-contested in the election that produced Senior High Chief Akiotu said he is proud to have the celebrant as the leader of the umbrella body of broadcasters in the country, expressing joy that the seat was eventually won by a son of Agenebode town in Edo State.
He expressed optimism that the leadership of the new Chairman will usher in a new era in BON, wishing him a prosperous 67th birthday.
In his remarks, the President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comr. Alhassan Yahya Abdul while congratulating Senior High Chief Akiotu on his electoral victory urged for synergy that will improve service delivery in the media space and enhance the welfare of journalists in the country.
He described Akiotu as a veteran who brings to bear years of experience in the industry that will not only strengthen the output in broadcast space but mentor outstanding professionals.
A legal luminary, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria extolled the celebrant’s exemplary lifestyle of humility and hardwork, which has seen him rise through the ladders, to the peak of his career as a broadcaster.
He urged High Chief Akiotu to accommodate every shade of opinion, run an all-inclusive government and foster partnership with organisations to actualise the goals he has set.
While encouraging him to surpass the records of his predecessors and broker new ground, Prof. Ozekhome prayed for divine wisdom upon Akiotu and his team to take BON to greater heights.
Present at the event include, Immediate Past President of NIPR, Malam Mukhtar Sirajo; the Registrar, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue; Governing Council Members of the Institute, Gen. SK Usman (Rtd); Dr. Ahmad Sajoh; Mrs. Olubunmi Badejoh; Bashir Musa Usman; the Secretary General of African Public Relations Association (APRA), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan; the CEO Development Spec Initiative, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu; Senior Public Relations professionals, Hajia Lami Tumaka and Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola both Fellows of the Institute and the Director of Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo.
Others are, the Okumagbe-elect in Uwano Kingdom of Etsako East local government area of Edo State, Sen. Francis Alimmikhena; former Chief of Staff to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogadomhe; Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mauritius, Mozambique and Madagascar, Amb. Yamah Mohammed Osemobo; Former Director General Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa; the Executive Secretary BON, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose; Former Managing Director AIT, Mrs. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, top officials of DAAR Communications Plc and other notable personalities.
Also at the event include, staff of NIPR National Secretariat, including Mr. Duke Imandu, Miss Alexandria Eke and Austin Magaji, as well as the Senior Admin Secretary of FCT Chapter, Mr. Uzoma Nwosu.
Source: www.niprng.org.ng
May Day: Gov Diri Approves Completed Houses For Civil Servants, Payment Of Promotion Arrears
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday, gave workers in the state a pleasant surprise as he announced the approval of 108 completed one-bedroom housing units to be allocated to civil servants.
Governor Diri stated this during the 2026 May Day celebration held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Bayelsa governor directed the Housing and Property Development Authority and the Head of Service to work out the modalities for the allocation of the apartments at the state’s housing estate at Okaka.
He also announced the approval of some of the requests presented by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), including the payment of promotion arrears and immediate implementation of yearly promotion steps for the state workers in accordance with the civil service rules.
Responding to another request, Governor Diri stated that his administration had already amended the law establishing the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, as it was now a wholly state-owned institution.
He said he assented to the amended law more than a year ago on March 10, 2025.
On the issue of workers in the state fire service that were reportedly not captured in the new minimum wage due to their different salary structure, he directed the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Local Government to immediately work out the details and implement his approval as it covered other workers.
In October 2024, the governor approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.
On transportation, he said government would procure additional vehicles for the state transport company, including CNG buses, to improve mobility across the state, noting that ongoing investments in power infrastructure, particularly the state’s independent power project, would sustain the operation of such vehicles.
While acknowledging the autonomy of local governments, Diri urged council chairmen to pay outstanding Christmas bonuses to local government workers.
He appreciated labour for the sacrifice, dedication and partnership with his Assured Prosperity administration.
According to him, together with the civil servants, the government had recorded several milestones that were the fruits of the partnership.
His words: “To our civil servants who keep the government running, to our teachers who mould the minds of this generation and indeed the next generation, to our health workers who safeguard our lives, to our security agencies who keep watch over us even when we are asleep and ensure that there is peace and security in Bayelsa State and to every artisan, farmer and professional in the private sector, your dedication and selfless service are the bedrock of our progress, and we remain profoundly grateful.
“The strides we have made together bear eloquent testimony to the strength of unity and the power of common purpose and synergy between the Government of Assured Prosperity and the workers in Bayelsa State.
”You have not failed the Government of Prosperity. Together we have recorded milestones that speak for themselves. These are not merely government projects. They are the fruits of partnership between labour and our government.“
Speaking earlier, the NLC and TUC, in a joint address read by the NLC chairman, Comrade Barnabas Simon, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers.
The workers also expressed appreciation for the progress of work at the ongoing nine-storey civil servants secretariat project, saying when completed, it would provide a conducive work environment.
The unions equally lauded the administration for the several infrastructure projects that were changing the developmental narrative about Bayelsa.
They assured of their commitment and continuous support to the Diri administration.
Prosperity Cup: More Quarter-Finalists Emerge From Round of 16
… As Women’s Semi Finals, Scouting Programme Get Underway
More Quarter-Finalists have emerged in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged Prosperity Cup, with the boys now being separated from the men.
Citiboi Feeders at the Golf pitch, Onopa pipped Izuo Gillette FC of Kpansia by a lone goal courtesy of Asanga Winner’s 89th minute back-breaking goal to send Citiboi Feeders into the money spinning stage of the tournament.
Mini FC of Minibie at the Nembe City Stadium overpowered Igoni FC of Odioama 5-4 on penalties after a one all draw in regulation time. Lawrence Grickson put Igoni FC ahead on 11 minutes but Mini FC gallantly fought back, responding on 26 minutes to send the encounter into the nail biting anxiety of penalty shootout.
Akinima/Biogbo of Ogboloma at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, BDGS centre beat Yenagoa LGA runners-up, Brazil FC 7-6 on penalties, having played out a barren draw in regulation time.
Former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene at the Tombia centre beat Southern Ijaw LGA champions, NDU Oilers in a six-goal thriller to secure a place in the quarter finals, having dispatched Seaside FC in the round of 32 of the tournament.
A total of eleven goals were recorded in the Round of 16 in eight matches, averaging 1.38 goals per match, with three matches decided in regulation time while five games were settled via penalty kicks.
Quarter-final matches commences on Saturday, 2nd May, 2026 in two different centres, Otuasega and the Golf Pitch, Onopa as Okoroma United welcome Mini FC of Minibie at the Otuasega Township Stadium at 1.00pm while second match of the day will see Mountain of Fire Ministry, MFM FC and Krosaders FC battle for Glory at 3.00pm.
Akinima/Biogbo will take on Sagbama LGA champions, Kolobiriowei FC of Bolu-Orua at 1.00pm at the Golf pitch, Onopa just as the Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will battle Citiboi Feeders at 3.00pm
The women’s tournament semi-finals will see defending champions, Afini Ladies up against Bayelsa Stars while Active Ladies FA will confront Ezougha Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa
The semi-finals will run alongside the Prosperity Cup scouting programme, slated from 4th through the 6th of May, 2026 as part of activities lined up ahead of the grand finale of the tournament which will come up on Friday, 8th of May, 2026.
Bayelsa Governor’s Cup: Nigeria’s Grassroots Football Powerhouse Inches Close to Grand Finale
On Friday May 8, the grand finale of the Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament will be rounded off at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State, capital.
Excitement is building across Bayelsa as the Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s most celebrated grassroots football tournament, inches close to its grand finale. On Friday, May 8, 2026, the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa will host the climax of a competition that has become a beacon of youth engagement, talent discovery, and community pride.
Since its inception in 2015, the tournament grew from 110 participating teams to a record-breaking 231 teams in 2025, attracting scouts from Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Over the years, it has produced stars now playing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and abroad, including Benjamin Precious, who dazzled at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations before signing for German Bundesliga side, TSG Hoffenheim.
The 2026 edition carries added significance: it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State and the sixth anniversary of Governor Douye Diri’s Prosperity Administration. Champions in the male category will walk away with the sum of ₦30 million, while female winners will earn ₦10 million.
Beyond the competition, this year’s finale will welcome officials from FC Barcelona, who are expected to organize a scouting programme as wells as discuss plans for a world-class football academy in Bayelsa. The partnership promises to deepen grassroots development, train coaches, and create pathways for young talents to shine on the global stage.
As the countdown to the grand finale begins, anticipation is high. For Bayelsa, the Prosperity Cup is more than just football—it is a movement of hope, unity, and opportunity.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Quarter Finalists Emerge
Quarter finalists have emerged in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, after weeks of exciting football across thirty different centres in the State.
Nembe Local Government Area champions, Okoroma United at the Imiringi Township Stadium beat Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro 3-2 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time to secure a place in the quarter finals.
Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC at the Tombia centre triumphed 4-2 on penalties over Mighty-Mighty after a goalless draw, to progress to the quarter finals.
Kolobiriowei of Bolu-Orua at the Golf Pitch, Onopa continued their fairytale run in the tournament with a comfortable two nil victory over Kolokuma/Opokuma champions, Odi United to secure a place in the money-spinning stage of the showpiece.
Goals from Azu Arepadei and Israel Ebipade on 27 and 67 minutes respectively saw Kolobiriowei into the quarter finals, having won the Sagbama LGA championship.
Mountain of Fire Ministry, MFM FC at the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS centre produced another wonderful result with a slim one nil win over hard-fighting Eniwari FC of Eniwari, thanks to Godday Abraham’s 28 minutes’ strike.
Action will resume on Thursday, 30th April, 2026 in four different centres as Citiboi Feeders battle Izuo Gillette FC of Kpansia at the Golf Pitch, Onopa at 2.00pm while former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene will face high-flying NDU Oilers FC at 2.00pm at the Tombia centre.
BDGS centre will have the luxury of hosting the tie between Brazil FC of Kpansia and Akinima/Biogbo of Ogboloma at 2.00pm as Brass LGA champions, Igoni FC of Odioama confront Mini FC of Minibie in the Bayelsa East derby at 1.00noon at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe.
NDDC Trains Niger Delta Stakeholders On Procurement Digitisation
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has emphasised the importance of driving policy reforms and digitising its procurement system to improve efficiency, promote transparency, and eliminate bottlenecks associated with the manual process.
Speaking during the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders Sensitisation and Training Summit in Imo State, the NDDC Director, Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the policy reform and digitisation initiative was a critical step towards improving workflow, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability in the Commission’s procurement process.
Osuji described the reform as an important initiative that would facilitate efficient workflow, eliminate the tedious analogue procurement process and curb nepotism and corruption in the system.
He explained: “This effort is part of a broader commitment to modernize our procurement practices, which reduces inefficiencies and ensures value for money.”
Osuji appreciated the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for his transformational ativities in the Niger Delta region and for moving the Commission from a manual system to a digitised one.
He urged contractors, consultants, and service providers to embrace the digital procurement platform, noting that the transition would enhance accountability and promote best practices in procurement across the Commission.
In his remarks, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr Kyrian Uchegbu, observed that NDDC was working in line with global best practices and national policy direction.
He noted that digital procurement systems offer numerous benefits, which improve efficiency, minimise delays, reduce corruption risks, and create a more transparent and competitive environment for contractors and service providers. More importantly, they provide a reliable audit trail that strengthens institutional accountability.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director, Imo State Office, Mr Patrick Obayelu, said the Commission was implementing the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, should migrate from analogue to digital systems of operation.
He noted that the modernisation and digitalisation was not merely about adopting new technology, “it is about changing mindsets, enhancing transparency, reducing human interference, and ensuring value for money in all procurement activities.”
Obayelu stated: “This summit comes at a critical time, as public institutions across Nigeria are embracing reforms to improve governance systems, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen public trust. Procurement, as we all know, lies at the heart of public service delivery. It determines how resources are allocated, how projects are executed, and ultimately, how development reaches our people.”
“Let us remember that procurement reform is not an end in itself; it is a means to achieving better development outcomes. It is about ensuring that roads are built, schools are equipped, healthcare facilities are functional, and communities truly benefit from the resources meant for their development.”
According to him, all contractors doing business with the NDDC would henceforth be required to engage with the Commission through the online procurement platform, which would also provide an effective feedback mechanism for stakeholders.
The Head Procurement and Audit Department, Imo State Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Engr. Frank Kelechi commended the NDDC for embracing digitisation, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction.
The NDDC training workshop, with the theme: “Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for the NDDC, has so far been held in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers and Imo States.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Tournament Organizers Commend Bayelsa BIR For Support
Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, have commended the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) for its immense support towards the growth of the competition.
The commendation was made by the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, while presenting the tournament’s branded jerseys to the Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr. Daniel Eniekezimene and other Principal Officers of the Board, ahead of the grand finale slated for Friday, 8th of May, 2028 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Director General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, who was represented by Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Werepre Martin Diegbegha, appreciated the Board for its unwavering support to the competition.
According to him, the competition has continued to remain a launchpad for national development, with many grassroots players earning a living as a result of the tournament’s global recognition.
He told the Chairman of the Board that this year’s final will come up on the 8th of May, 2025 with activities starting from the 4th with the International Scouting programme, describing the contribution of the Board as massive.
Mr Akpe, who noted that this year’s edition of the Prosperity Cup was being used to celebrate 30 years of the creation of Bayelsa State, said the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of the tournament promises to be a grand celebration of sportsmanship, football artistry and community spirit.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Bayelsa United Feeders Exit Tournament
… As Round of 16 Fixtures Get Underway
Bayelsa United Feeders have been eliminated from the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, tagged the Prosperity Cup a week after triumphing in the Yenagoa LGA championship.
Southern Ijaw LGA champions, NDU Oilers FC beat Bayelsa United Feeders 5-4 on penalties after a two all draw in regulation time in a tie decided at the Tombia centre. Kilete Micah put NDU Oilers ahead on 32 minutes from a beautiful header.
David Igbogidi levelled the scoreline two minutes into the second half from a rebounded effort. NDU Oilers went ahead again on 72 minutes from Haidah Ebiketein’s strike. Christopher Biki restored parity for Feeders on 75 minutes to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
Sagbama LGA champions, Kolobiriowei FC at the Ayamasa centre pipped hard-fighting Osunmabio FC by a lone goal, courtesy of Israel Ebipade’s 90th minute strike in what could be described as the Western Senatorial District derby.
Izuo Gillette FC at the Golf pitch, Onopa beat Global City 3-2 on penalties after a one all draw in regulation time. Franklin Wonyinmie put Global City ahead just a minute into the encounter. Izenie Doubara struck on 13 minutes to level the scoreline.
Citiboi Feeders at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, BDGS centre triumphed 7-6 on penalties over Afini FC after a one all draw in regulation time to secure qualification into theRound of 16.
Onyoma FC earlier at the BDGS centre beat Akinima/Biogbo by one goal to nil, thanks to Ezekiel Friday’s 25th minute goal.
Brazil FC in the second game at the Tombia centre triumphed 8-7 against Saturday FC of Amassoma having played out a barren draw in regulation time.
The Round of 32 tie between Kolokuma/Opokuma champions, Odi United and NYSC FC was moved to Sunday 26th April, 2026 at 1.00pm at the Golf pitch Onopa, Yenagoa.
Round of 16 fixtures will commence next week across different centres in the State as the grand finale of the competition draws close. The final comes up on Friday, 8th of May, 2026.