The preliminary round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, will take centre stage this weekend in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Diri last week took the ceremonial kick-off to herald this year’s edition of the spectacle after the completion of capacity-building training for officials of the tournament ahead of the commencement of the 2026 edition of the showpiece
The competition will kick-start in both Sangana and Okpoama centres in Brass LGA, off the Atlantic Ocean with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere expected to take the kick-off at the Sangana centre.
Tough Dynamite FC in the first match of the Sangana centre battles Brass Boys by 9:00am, Mini FC will face Orukele Thunders FC at 2:00pm while Sangana FC are drawn bye. Sunday 8th March, 2026 will witness other fixtures at the Sangana centre.
Elsewhere, at the Okpoama centre, Canaan FC will entertain Kurotee FC in the match of the day by 11:00am, Ibidi FC will be up against Igoni FC in the second game at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 7th 2026.
Ama-gbo FC will face Egweama FC on Sunday, 8th of March, 2026 at the Okpoama centre, while Hausa United will keep a date with Formosa FC at 3:00pm.
This year’s spectacle will witness 257 teams comprising 227 male teams, 28 female and two para soccer sides jostling for the prize money in thirty different centres across the eight LGAs.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Tournament Gets Underway This Weekend In Brass LGA
Urgent Security National Concern Particularly the Isoko Ethnic Nationality Pipeline Surveillance Contract Controversy
Your Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
We, the NIGER DELTA ADVOCATE 4 GOOD GOVERNANCE, ANTI-CORRUPTION AND TRANSPARENCY GROUP, write this Open Letter in the spirit of patriotism, transparency, and deep concern for peace, equity, fairness justice and stability within the Niger Delta region.
This communication is not intended to malign any individual, company, kingdom, or ethnic nationality but to unravel the untold story of the pure marginalization of the original critical stakeholders who fought hard and denied for the pipeline surveillance contract job coordination of the Isoko Ethnic Nationality section.
Rather, it is a call for clarity, fairness, and urgent presidential engagement regarding the controversy surrounding the Isoko Ethnic Nationality Pipeline Surveillance arrangement under the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
It is evident that since 2022 when the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was engaged, it’s original purpose to reduced oil theft, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage has not been achieved to boost production.
But the worrisome zero participation of the rightful Stakeholders from Isoko land in the the Oil pipeline surveillance contract job in Isoko land, has become a focal point for security and economic instability.
It has become increasingly clear that there are ongoing demands from local stakeholders for greater involvement, with calls for the surveillance to be handled by local Isoko people and increase participation.
Background Context
NNPC Limited, under the leadership of:
Mele Kyari (former Group Chief Executive Officer), and Timipre Sylva (former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources), expanded the use of private pipeline surveillance contractors to combat crude oil theft and vandalism in other to increase crude oil production from mere 900 thousand barrels to 2m barrels daily as expected aim of the presidency.
The major Western Corridor and that of the Central corridor surveillance operations were all awarded to:
High Chief Dr, Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo, and that of MATON ENGINEERING NIGERIA LIMITED owned by Mathew Tonlagha through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
This intervention was widely celebrated by all sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region, and expected to improve production levels beyond 1.4m barrels daily to 1.7m to 2m barrels and above, but this multi billion dollar pipeline surveillance contract job that was thoughtfully approved and implemented by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory in the year 2022 could not achieve it’s purpose, and was expected to reduce pipeline vandalism, oil theft nationwide.
This development led to the open acknowledgment from the Organisation of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) that despite the private security engagement, the nation Nigeria is unable to meet the production quotum of even 1.5m barrels not to talk of 2m barrels per day, it is unfortunate.
THE ISOKO ETHNIC Nationality Controversy
It has been reliably conveyed to our organization as advocates of transparency, good governance and the rule of law that Mr. Karo Edor and his team, representing stakeholders from the Isoko Ethnic Nationality, actively pursued inclusion in the surveillance structure covering Isoko land, and a lot of sacrifices where made by this young men and even submitted petitions to the law enforcement agencies in Abuja for the interest of peace and stability as law abiding citizens that does not believe in violence rather meaningful dialogue.
According to accounts presented to us:
Engagements were held with senior officials of NNPC Limited management in different occasions.
Petitions were reportedly submitted to the 9th Senate Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by distinguished Senator Pius Akereleye and the first meeting reportedly took place at Frayza Suite, Abuja, and later at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Those said to have been present at various engagements include:
Mele Kyari, Ali Zara (former MD, NPDC)
Matthew Tonlagha vice chairman TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED and the MD/CEO, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited; associated with Tantita operations), Dr. Dennis Otuaro who was the former Personal Assistant to Mr Mathew Tonlagha then, and now the Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator.
It is reported that, during these engagements, an understanding was reached that Mr. Karo Edor and his group would coordinate the Isoko segment of the pipeline surveillance project that cut across the entire Isoko land.
However, stakeholders now claim that the coordination structure was later implemented differently with some cronies of questionable characters were placed in charge of the Isoko Ethnic Nationality Pipeline Surveillance coordination, instead of the main stakeholders who were the rightful persons that fought hard for it, Mr Karo Edor and his team where practically denied and marginalized, and it was assigned to one Ashaka and Mr Kome who where never in the picture from the onset of this Isoko Ethnic Nationality Pipeline Surveillance coordination agitation.
However, it should be put on record that there are growing concerns in the Niger Delta Region over this issue.
Your Excellency, the Niger Delta region has remained economically sensitive and historically fragile.
there are increasing concerns that:
Perceived marginalization of certain ethnic nationalities in oil pipeline security surveillance contract arrangements.
Also there is the growing show of lack of transparent communication
Absence of inclusive stakeholder dialogue may provoke sharp tensions and security infractions that could undermine peace and oil production stability in the region.
We are particularly concerned that the misunderstandings surrounding the allocation structure in Isoko land, and in parts of Itsekiri, Kalabari kingdom, under the rulership of HRM ALHAJI MUJHID ASARI DOKUBO, Okrika Okochiri kingdom, under the ruleship of HRM King Ateke Tom, in southern Ijaw local government Areas of Bayelsa state under the domain of General Boyloaf, who is the founder of MEND in the struggle, and in Ondo state areas where a well respected high Chief and a ex Militant leader come from, the person of General Shootasite and other where not properly addressed, may escalate into avoidable regional agitation.
This is not a threat, it is a warning based on evident historical realities in the Niger Delta!
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Consideration Section 257(1) & (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) recognizes the role and responsibility of Host Communities in protecting oil and gas infrastructure within their domains.
We respectfully submit that:
Inclusive participation of host communities strengthens security outcomes.
Exclusion or perceived exclusion weakens cooperation.Transparency builds distrust and fuel agitations.
OUR HUMBLE APPEAL TO MR. PRESIDENT
Your Excellency, as a leader known for political inclusiveness and strategic engagement, we respectfully urge you to
invite all critical stakeholders to a Presidential roundtable discussion.
Include:
Recognized traditional rulers,
Representatives of ethnic nationalities across the Niger Delta, Leadership of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Representatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Relevant federal agencies.
Commission a transparent review of the surveillance coordination framework to ensure equity and compliance with the PIA.
This proactive step will:
Prevent possible unrest,
Safeguard production growth targets,
Protect national revenue,
Reinforce your administration’s commitment to fairness and justice, because an injury to one is an injury to all.
OUR POSITION.
Stability must not only be measured in barrels per day it must also be measured in justice, inclusion, and peace.
We believe that if this matter is transparently addressed now, Nigeria can avoid unnecessary tension and secure long-term production sustainability.
Your Excellency, history has shown that unattended grievances in the Niger Delta often escalate beyond expectation.
We therefore respectfully request urgent Presidential intervention to clarify the Isoko Pipeline Surveillance arrangement and ensure equitable host community participation across all corridors.
We remain committed to peace, unity, and national economic stability.
Signed:
Engr. Captain Momoh Ebiowei Erickson
National President & Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocate 4 Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Group
IWD 2026: NIPR Secures NEMA’s Partnership
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has secured the partnership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) towards hosting of the Institute’s first International Women’s Day celebration scheduled to hold on 30th March, 2026, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the NIPR, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar said that she was impressed with the quality initiatives of the Institute in the last two years; while confirming her attendance and NEMA’s partnership for the 2026 International Women’s Day.
Engaging further, the NEMA boss said, “You can see that all of a sudden, everybody is aware of the NIPR. I would like to really praise the leadership of the Institute for the hardwork and the difference that we see in the affairs of the NIPR in recent time. NIPR is now known all over and congratulations on this”.
Earlier in her presentation, the leader of the delegation and Chair, 2026 NIPR IWD Planning Committee, Hajia Lami Tumaka, fnipr, remarked that the programme is designed to showcase the value and contributions of women in societal development.
She expressed delight at the Agency’s current leadership that priorities planning and prevention, describing Mrs. Umar as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation of leaders.
Some members of the Planning Committee that were part of the visit are: Council Member – Mrs. Maryam Sanusi, Chairman, NIPR FCT Chapter – Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, Fellow Grace Ayoola, Dr. Tope Ojeme, Fatima Abaji and Suwaiba Baba.
NNPC Foundation MD Tasks Brands on Deliberate Corporate Integrity
Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe has challenged organisations to be deliberate in managing public perception about their businesses as it is critical to reputational survival.
Mrs. Arukwe who gave this advice while delivering a keynote speech at the just concluded Reputation Roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) FCT Chapter, stressed that proactive and strategic actions are needed to change unfavourable public perception to value capital.
Themed, “The New Architecture of Corporate Integrity: Navigating Power, Perception & Purpose”, the gathering, a specialised capacity building programme for reputation managers brought together Directors of Public Relations and spokespersons from both government and private sectors.
While warning organisations against defensive communication, Mrs. Arukwe, a Fellow of NIPR said that proactiveness grounded in truth and reality is the cornerstone of corporate integrity, adding that communication that aligns with conduct will boost positive public perception.
“We must engage stakeholders consciously, consistently and conscientiously. We must place transparency as an administrative culture. Organisations and brands must exist beyond their profit-making, move from doing good to being good. They must bequeath generations to come legacies that stand the test of time”, she said.
The MD emphasised that the NNPC Foundation’s mandate reflects stewardship philosophy, noting that its social investments are structured in measurable interventions to build transparency.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NIPR-FCT, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo emphasised that the gathering serves as a platform for reputation managers to upscale their skills and gain requisite professional knowledge that will position them for greater relevance and value addition in their various organisations.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of participation and presentations at the 2-day programme held in Transcorp Hilton, where attendees were also trained on digital skills and how to deploy Artificial Intelligence in carrying out their duties.
Dignitaries at the event included: MD, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) – Mal. Ali M. Ali; DG, Voice of Nigeria (VON) – Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace; DG, Army Resource Centre, Major General JGK Myam (Rtd); Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet; Fmr. DG, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Danladi Bako; Fmr. DG, National Orientation Agency (NOA) – Dr. Mike Omeri; Chairman, Blue Economy Nigeria Ltd – Haj. Lami Tumaka; Olumobi of Imobi, Ijesa – HRM Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup; among others.
Governor Diri Extols Bayelsa Community, Hails NDDC For Transformation
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the people of the Ayakoro community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state for providing a peaceful atmosphere for development, and lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for collaborating with the state government to transform communities in the state.
Speaking during the grand finale of the Ayakoro Annual Cultural Festival held in Ayakoro community on Saturday, Governor Diri expressed delight at the remarkable transformation in the communities, noting that “the progress reflects strong collaboration between the community, the state government and the NDDC.”
He said: “I commend the people for their peaceful disposition and continued support for our Government of Assured Prosperity.”
Governor Diri assured the people that the state government would continue to extend development projects to the area. He remarked that “Ayakoro will benefit from the ongoing Akaba–Ogu-Okodi Road project to boost connectivity and economic growth.”
He said further: “Our administration remains committed to ensuring that no community in Bayelsa State is left behind in our development drive.”
The Governor added, “We hope President Bola Tinubu will come and commission our 60-Megawatt Gas Turbine Project, which will provide 24-hour electricity in Bayelsa State.
In his remarks, the Chief Host and the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, thanked the Bayelsa State Governor for supporting the Ayakoro community in its time of need. He recalled that in 2022, when the community was ravaged by flood, the governor visited them to share in their pain.
Ogbuku observed: “When you stepped into this community, you wished us well, you wished us peace, you condoled with us, and since you left, goodness and mercy have been following us.
“Thank you for bringing blessings to this community. We know that, because you are here again today, we are going to quadruple the development we are seeing in this community.”
The NDDC boss noted that the annual cultural festival “celebrates the resilience and character of our people and their ability to confront the unknown, because one of the major difficulties of human beings is facing the unknown.”
“We are not only celebrating the crossing of the community because we were ravaged by flood erosion on the other side, but coming to this way again, you can see that we are doing land reclamation, which means erosion is still ravaging this community.”
Ogbuku stated that development would not thrive in an environment without peace. “The people of Ayakoro are very peaceful people, who believe that tomorrow will always be better.
“Since we have demonstrated that we are a community of peace, and you being a man of peace, we also need to be rewarded with more projects from the Bayelsa State Government.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief Obinna Iyiebu, applauded Ogbuku for the transformation taking place in Ayakoro community.
He said: “I must say Ayakoro community is blessed to have a son like Dr Samuel Ogbuku. I can see development everywhere in Ayakoro community. The essence of people finding themselves in certain positions in life is not just to acquire wealth for themselves but also to bring development to their people. Ogbuku has proven that by improving the Ayakoro community from the state he found it in, bringing development to his people.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Community Spokesperson, Chief Pureaziba Akpoti, noted that the annual “Eyal Obeyin” festival is a significant cultural event in the community, showcasing their rich heritage and traditions and promoting tourism.
He noted: “The Ayakoro annual festival has become a cultural tourism component called ‘Eyal Obeyin’ (Crossing), born out of the need to honour and immortalise the community’s founding fathers.
“This annual celebration promotes harmony, collaboration, peace, and tolerance. It embodies the spirit of resilience and determination exhibited by the community’s forebears. By celebrating this festival, the community honours their forebears’ resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
President Tinubu Hails Niger Delta Games, Tasks NDDC On Sports Development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for sponsoring the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, and charged the Commission to continue investing in initiatives that empower youths and women through sports development.
President Tinubu expressed delight with the games at the closing ceremony of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State, where Team Edo dethroned defending champions, Bayelsa State, to emerge the overall winners.
The President, who was represented by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described sports as a powerful instrument for unity, empowerment, and national development, according to a statement by, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC, Director, Corporate Affairs.
He said: “Sports remain one of the greatest tools for national unity and youth empowerment. Beyond medals and trophies, this competition is about discovering talents, building character, and creating pathways to global recognition for our young people.”
He commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative, noting that it aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
According to the President, “We are committed to human capital development initiatives like the Niger Delta Games. We know that sports can be used as a strategic platform to empower youths and women, promote entrepreneurship, and project Nigeria positively to the world.”
In his address, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the NDDC for delivering a world-class sporting event.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa stated: “Over the past week, the Niger Delta Games have showcased resilience, hard work, and sportsmanship. This event has fostered unity and entrepreneurship. We thank the NDDC for giving us a memorable and world-class sports experience.”
Declaring the games closed, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, commended the Edo State Government for collaborating with the NDDC to ensure a successful sporting fiesta.
He expressed optimism that talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games would represent the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the All-Africa Games.
In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated that the Games were designed to groom amateur athletes into professionals, assuring stakeholders that the competition had come to stay.
He noted: “Today, we are not just celebrating victories; we are celebrating excellence, discipline, and hard work. We assess you not only by your performance in sports but also by your character. Do not relax after this success. Continue to train, challenge yourselves, and believe in your abilities.”
Announcing the final results, Ogbuku declared: “At the end of this keenly contested festival, Edo State has emerged overall winner with 52 gold medals, 34 silver medals, and 25 bronze medals, making a total of 111 medals. Delta State finished as first runner-up with 102 medals, while Bayelsa recorded 79 medals to come third.”
Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, and Imo states finished 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively.
Earlier in his welcome address, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Games.
He said, “We are happy that this competition has brought unity among the states and participants. Many talented athletes have been discovered here, and they will fly the flag of the Niger Delta high across the globe.”
Iyaye paid tribute to the late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia “for establishing the framework for the supremacy of the Niger Delta region in Nigerian sports, which has continued to produce over 60 per cent of Team Nigeria athletes for international competitions.”
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, advised athletes to uphold integrity.
He counselled: “Stay away from drugs and age falsification. True success comes from discipline, honesty, and dedication to your craft.”
WPRF: NIPR Signs MoA with NAN as Official Digital, Wire Services Partner
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday put pen to paper in a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) which designates the Agency as the official partner in Digital and Wire Services ahead of World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) November this year.
The Agreement signed at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja is another milestone toward the journey to host the Biggest, Brighter and Boldly WPRF in Abuja this year, a global gathering which is coming to Africa for the second time since inception and is expected to attract participants from over 120 countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura described NAN is an important pillar which will assist Nigeria to host a successful WPRF, holding alongside the African Public Relations Association (APRA) 2026 Annual Conference, and the 25th anniversary of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, organisers of WPRF.
“News Agency of Nigeria has no rival as our Digital and Wire Services official partner. We have seen what you are doing, we are very satisfied with your work. This is a time we must come together and do a greater work for Nigeria. This means that you would leverage more with your contemporaries in other parts of the world to syndicate the news regarding the WPRF as they come”, he said.
Prof. Dandaura says the partnership offers NAN opportunity to contribute further in the quest to improve the nation’s capital asset, which he said will have a huge impact on the economic dashboard. He assured that NIPR is doing all within its power to ensure that the commitment made to the world to host a WPRF whose record will not be easily beaten stands.
In his response, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, Mal. Ali M. Ali while expressing delight to work with NIPR said the Agency’s partnership with global news organisations, hundreds of qualified editorial personnel, long-standing record of trust locally and internationally are among the values it would bring on board.
While commending the Institute for efforts being channeled towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes a leading voice in responsible communication, the NAN boss expressed optimism that the upcoming events will record huge success.
Gov Diri Receives Branded Prosperity Cup Trophies
..Sports Development Incomplete Without Grassroots Input – Dr Akpe
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe says no meaningful sports development can take place without input from the grassroots.
The Deputy Governor made the assertion shortly after the formal presentation of the special, branded trophies for both male and female categories of the Prosperity Cup, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The presentation of the trophies to Governor Douye Diri by the organisers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament heralds this year’s edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Akpe stated that “the development of sports is incomplete without the grassroots, so attention has to be paid to grassroots sports if we want our sports to grow to the next level”.
Dr Akpe noted that the Prosperity Cup, the biggest grassroots football competition in the country, has over the years become the bedrock of a good number of teams in the country, particularly Bayelsa United FC., adding that the Prosperity administration was using sports as a tool to curb youth restiveness, urging young footballers in the State to take advantage of the platform before them.
He commended the organizers of the tournament for their foresight to put together various capacity building programmes for officials before the commencement of the tournament.
Earlier, the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri received the branded trophies, specially crafted to celebrate Bayelsa at 30, from former Nigerian International, Jossy Dombraye and former Bayelsa Queens star, Ebiere Wealth. After receiving the trophies, the Governor handed them over to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, who in turn handed them over to the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali.
Governor Diri and his Deputy, Dr. Akpe were equally presented with a branded FC Barcelona jersey each, by the officials of FC Barcelona, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincon.
Shortly after the presentation of the trophies to the Governor, he performed the ceremonial kick-off of the match between two Bayelsa selected sides, which officially signals the commencement of hostilities of Season 8 of the Prosperity Cup.
The kick-off and presentation of the trophies are coming after a week of intensive capacity-building training for referees, medical personnel, the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic, and workshop for coordinators as well as media personnel covering the tournament.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe in an interview, asserted that this year’s edition of the tournament was significant as it coincides with the 30 years anniversary of the creation of the State and the collaboration with International Technical Advisers, FC Barcelona of Spain.
He noted that the competition would witness tremendous improvement because grassroots football coaches have been impacted by the FC Barcelona technical staff in the last three days, maintaining that the series of capacity training programmes were indicative of the governor’s commitment to sports development.
Mr Akpe hinted that the state government is very intentional in setting up the FC Barcelona Academy in Bayelsa State, explaining that Season 8 of the competition will see 257 teams, comprising 227 male, 28 female and two para-soccer teams, participating in the competition.
The DG appreciated the governor, Senator Douye Diri, lead sponsors, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Binad Table Waters, King George’s Court and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their immense contribution to the development of sports in the State.
Also, Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi, opined that the organizers of the tournament are fully prepared for the competition, describing this year’s edition as special to celebrate the state creation.
Officials of FC Barcelona, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincon in separate interviews, remarked that they are pleased with the organization of the tournament, stating that they have spotted talents that could be exposed to FC Barcelona in the near future.
Meanwhile, in the kick-off match, Prosperity Cup Selected B team beat Prosperity Cup Selected A team by two goals to one in what can best be described as a Spanish/Bayelsa combo.
One of the two sides was tutored by Bernat Villa Gorriz while the other side was coached by Alberto Lafuente Rincon. The two FC Barcelona officials were assisted by Anthony Fouye and Dimie Ineididie, from Afini FC and Bayelsa United Feeders FC respectively.
Gov Diri To Perform Prosperity Cup Season 8 Kick-off
… As FC Barcelona Technical Crew give Thumbs Up to Prosperity Cup Organizers
All is now set for the kick-off of Season eight of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi ahead of the kick-off of the showpiece.
According to Avi, the historic kick-off will see two Bayelsa selected sides, tutored by FC Barcelona Technical Directors in a Spanish-Bayelsa combo, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk on Thursday, 26th February 2026 at 7.30am at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The statement states that the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is expected to lead members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the FC Barcelona team and other stakeholders to take the ceremonial kick-off.
It explained that Governor Douye Diri would be the Special Guest of Honour, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali will serve as Chief Host while the officials FC Barcelona, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincon would be Special Guests.
The statement further hinted that the four-day FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic, with FC Barcelona, the tournament’s International Technical Advisers, is currently ongoing at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Yenagoa.
The statement urges stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, coaches and participating teams to be part of the epoch-making event, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has become a global brand.
The Tournament Director appreciated the Bayelsa State Government, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Binad Table Waters, King George’s Court and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their immense contribution to the development of sports in the State.
Meanwhile, the FC Barcelona Team Lead, Bernat Villa Gorriz has commended the organisers of the tournament, for putting together the coaching clinic.
According to him, “I am very impressed with the attention to details by the organizers. For me, it is nice to be here to share our thoughts with the coaches. We all know the dream of the players in the competition is to improve their skills, play professional football, travel to Europe, and one day, maybe play for Barcelona. We will see what we can do to assist them achieve their dreams.”
FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic Kick-off In Yenagoa
*** As Bayelsa SSG Charges Football Managers To See Sports As Business
The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic got underway in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with a charge to football managers to explore the money-spinning component of the sport.
Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei, who gave the charge while speaking at the opening ceremony of the coaching clinic, noted that football, and indeed sports generally, was huge business, adding that football managers in the state should begin to pay attention to details and explore the money-spinning potentials of football.
Professor Ayawei urged the grassroots coaches to be diligent and patient to learn from the FC Barcelona officials, maintaining that the exercise would impact positively on the coaches when the competition commences.
Regional Head, Premium Trust Bank, Yenagoa, Dr. Danjuma Omeje noted that the bank will continue to accord priority to the development of sports in the State, pointing out that they have been in collaboration with organisers of the Prosperity Cup in the last three years.
Noting that Premium Bank donated a new coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens last year, Dr Omeje said they would continue to collaborate with organisers of the Prosperity Cup for the over-all development of football in the State.
Earlier in a welcome address, Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, opined that the essence of the programme was to improve the skills of the grassroots coaches in the State.
Mr Akpe, who noted that the continued training of grassroots coaches was already impacting on the growth of football in the state, used the opportunity to appreciate the governor, Senator Douye Diri for his huge investment in sports development in the state. He equally commended the sponsors of the tournament for their steadfastness.
Also speaking, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz, the Team Lead of the FC Barcelona delegation, asserted that he was pleased with the organization of the programme particularly the enthusiasm of the coaches, stressing that his dream was to see these coaches rise to the peak of their career.
Also speaking, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-kid ventures from Netherlands, who facilitated the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup partnership, noted that the objective of the programme was to develop grassroots coaches with the FC Barcelona methodology and style of play.
Two participants, Anthony Fouye, Chairman of Bayelsa Football Coaches Association and Dift Seinitonkumo Edike of FC California of Odi, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the programme for the laudable initiative, noting that the exercise is already reflecting on the performance of grassroots football coaches.
Day one of the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic was rounded-off with a scouting programme in which Citiboi Feeders tackled Bayelsa United Feeders while the second match of the day was between Bayelsa Starlets and FC Silina at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
The scouting programme continues Tuesday, February 24, 2026, immediately after the coaching clinic, with Excellent FC hosting Krusaders F.C. at the Samson Siasia Stadium at 3.00p.m. while in the second match Kingdom Stars will entertain Light FC at 4.00p.m. at the same venue.