‎*** 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.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday presented the certificate of registration to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, one of the two political parties the Commission recently registered.

Protem National National Legal Adviser of NDC, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, who received the certificate on behalf of the party, said with the presentation, NDC joins the registered political parties “in the contention for provision of democratic leadership and contest for power in ways that would make Nigerians at home and the diaspora proud”.

Said Mr. Egwuaba, “Today’s event marks the culmination of NDC’s long and tortuous fight for registration, a journey which started as far back as 2017, when the association first applied to INEC to be registered as a political party,” moments after he received the certificate from INEC’s Director Elections and Party Monitoring, Barrister Joan Arabs.

“NDC was among the original 171 political organisations that applied for registration as political parties. After meeting all the requirements requested by INEC, NDC was denied registration by INEC at the last minute.

“The reason the then INEC leadership gave for refusing to register NDC was that its logo and insignia bore a close semblance to those of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a claim that was clearly untrue.

But the Commission stuck to this position, so much so that when the list of the last 14 associations that were to be considered for the final stage of the screening process was published by INEC, NDC was conspicuously excluded.

“NDC subsequently went to court to challenge the grounds for INEC’s decision, which NDC said was not only based on wrong assumptions, but also amounted to an improper use of executive discretion on the part of INEC”.

According to Barrister Egwuaba, “The court not only upheld that the NDC logo was not only distinct from that of the APC, but that the second association which INEC had initially cited as also having a similar logo as the NDC’s was not even a registered entity, let alone a political party.

“Following these conclusions, and in the absence of any other tenable grounds for its stance, the court subsequently directed INEC to register NDC, and proclaimed NDC registered”.

Barrister Egwuaba who was also the lead lawyer that appeared for NDC in the suit, thanked the court and the entire judiciary for standing by truth, justice and fairness on the matter.
“We are, once again, reassured that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man”, he said. “The judiciary did its job as it should, in a democracy.”

He also thanked INEC, “particularly its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who as a Professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, did the right thing by complying with the court order to register NDC.

“The dispatch with which the Commission treated the NDC court ruling confirms the disposition of the current leadership in INEC to transparency and fairness. This is a further reassurance that we can look forward to freer, fairer and more transparent general elections,” Egwuaba said, adding: “This is a victory for not only NDC, it is a victory for democracy, and for all Nigerians. We invite Nigerians to join the NDC.

“It is a new dawn. NDC is here, and we offer ourselves as an alternative platform for all Nigerians who are currently at the point of asphyxiation from the excesses of the ruling APC and bungling crowd of opposition parties. NDC is a party for the people, with a philosophy of service to the people of Nigeria and all that are within Nigeria.

“NDC is officially expected to be listed for the next round of elections in the country, especially the 2027 general elections. The formal unveiling of NDC will follow soon,” Barrister Egwuaba said.

‎
‎Over a hundred referees from the Bayelsa State Referees Council have been equipped with officiating skills ahead of the commencement of the season 8 of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎The two-day refresher course which was put together by the organizers of the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports Development, had separate sessions; the practical and the theoretical part of the exercise.
‎
‎Speaking after the programme, renowned CAF Instructor and Member NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, said he was pleased with the enthusiasm of the young referees, urging referees to take advantage of the opportunity given to them by the organizers.
‎
‎Chukwujekwu who described the exercise “as massive” noted that this was the first time he was witnessing a tournament where referees are trained by the organizers of the tournament before the commencement of the competition.
‎
‎He hinted that he is elated that one of the trainees from the previous edition, Rachel Onyekwere has grown to become one of the best centre referees, stating that the continuous training of referees dovetails how the tournament organizers have accorded priority to fair-play.
‎
‎Another CAF Instructor and Accessor, Felicia Chibugwu, lauded the organizers of the tournament for the initiative, that this year’s edition of the spectacle will witness and improve officiating from the previous edition, maintaining that the umpires have been equipped with modern techniques.
‎
‎She noted that she was elated to see kids within the age of eight to twelve years participating in the programme, saying that the refresher courses on the referees would avert controversial officiating in the competition this year.
‎
‎Some of the participants, Kuote Sinivie, and a 15 year old Commander Daniela and another 15 year old Sunny Blessing, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State government and the organizers of the tournament for the transformative initiative, maintaining that the exercise has unveiled the latest laws of the game.
‎
‎The highpoint of the programme was a presentation of certificates to the various participants of the exercise. Meanwhile training for medical personnel will commence on Friday, February 20, 2026.

‎Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have scheduled Thursday, February 19, 2026 for the official draws and presentation of jerseys ahead of the season eight of the tournament.
‎
‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi in preparation for the commencement of the spectacle.
‎
‎According to him, the event will take place at 7.30a.m., at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk, pointing out that the exercise would be colourful as Bayelsa celebrates it’s 30th anniversary.
‎
According to the statement,‎ the ceremonial draws will be performed by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, while the conduct of the rest of the draws will continue at the Prosperity Cup Secretariat, Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa.
‎
‎The statement further explained that all participating teams are expected to send representatives to witness the exercise, stating that the ceremonial presentation of the jersey to the governor will be the highlight of the occasion.
‎
‎Mr. Avi noted that the governor is also expected to perform the ceremonial presentation of jerseys to a team each in the eight LGAs, urging members of the public, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to be part of the grand ceremony.

‎
The Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA says it will continue to invest in the betterment of the referees in the State.
‎
‎Chairman of the Association, Barr Poubeni Ogun gave the assurance at the 3rd Refresher course for referees at the Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa, Yenagoa ahead of the tournament.
‎
‎The chairman, who was represented by the secretary of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, noted that the refresher courses for the referees over the years have placed referees from Bayelsa above their contemporaries in other states.
‎
‎According to him, the introduction of the referees training into the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament has changed the fortunes of the state referees, stating that referees from the Bayelsa State Council are among the best-behaved referees in the country.
‎
‎Barr Ogun, while commending the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, noted that the continuous training has improved the capacity of the referees, that the FA is pleased with the good reports it is receiving about Bayelsa umpires, urging them to maintain the standard and not compromise.
‎
‎He noted that the refresher course was not just an event but an investment in football that would yield productive fruits for Bayelsa in the future, describing referees as custodians of fair play, integrity and discipline.
‎
‎The State FA boss explained that the duty of a referee goes beyond just the enforcement of the laws of the game, and urged all the participants to make good use of the opportunity before them.
‎
‎He appreciated the programme facilitators for sharing their wealth of experience to the younger generation of referees in the State, charging the referees to implement everything they have learned from the exercise when the competition commences.
‎
‎Barr. Ogun equally lauded the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team for their foresight towards updating the capacity of referees in the State.

… As Tournament Organizers Conclude Season 8 Draws

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has charged multinational oil companies and other corporate organizations operating in the state to complement the efforts of government in the area of sports development.

The Governor gave the charge while speaking during the presentation of branded jersey to him by members of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.

Governor Diri also kick-started the process of the conduct of the official draws of the tournament. In addition, he performed the ceremonial distribution of kits — comprising footballs, players and coaches’ jerseys, shorts and football hoses, to three out of the 257 teams registered for the 2026 edition of the tournament, namely Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and one of the para-soccer teams.

Senator Diri, who expressed delight at how the tournament has grown from a modest competition in 2015 to becoming Nigeria’s biggest grassroots competition, commended organisers of the tournament for the great job they are doing.

Still speaking on the phenomenal growth of the tournament, Governor Diri said government alone could not develop sports and called on oil companies, other corporate organizations and well-meaning Bayelsans to support the tournament, maintaining that sports remains a vital tool to curb youth restiveness.
‎
‎According to the governor, who also said the development of sports in any nation was incomplete without the grassroots sports development, pointing out that his administration remains committed to youth engagement and empowerment through sports.
‎
‎He commended the organizers of the tournament for putting together a refresher course for referees of the State Referees Council, urging the umpires to be upright in the discharge of their duties during the competition.
‎
‎He equally appreciated lead sponsors of the tournament, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig. Ltd, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and the Board of Internal Revenue for investing in sports development for their support.
‎
‎Also Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro, described the main draws which took place shortly after at the Golden Tulip Resort Secretariat of the organisers of the Prosperity Cup, as transparent to every team, maintaining that this year’s edition would be the best in terms of organization.
‎
‎He noted that all hands were on deck to ensure that the competition was hitch-free in the various centres, adding that every effort was made to ensure teams were close to their base to cut high cost of transportation.
‎
‎Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida, who in an interview, noted that he was prepared for the tournament, said he was particularly excited about the coaching clinic, adding that this year’s edition would be historic.
‎
‎Meanwhile, the draws conducted saw Canaan FC up against Sangana FC at the Okpoama centre in Brass Local Government Area, Ibidi FC will welcome Igoni FC of Igoni, Tough Dynamites will entertain Egweama FC as Amaogbo FC confronts Formosa FC.
‎
‎Fantua FC will battle Okoroba FC at the Opu-Nembe centre in the Nembe LGA; Young Ranger FC will take on Mangrove Ace FC while Okoroma United are drawn by. Genesis FC will keep a date with Victory FC, MC FC will lock horns with Nembe City as Fisherman Sons FC are on stand-bye.
‎
‎The Kolo centre in Ogbia Local Government Area will see Abagi FC tango Diocese of Ogbia, Movers FC of Otuasega battles Emeyal 2 FC, Ewoi FC of Ewoi will face neighbours Onuebum FC, as Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, BYCOTECH FC faces Chief Street FC.

The Prosperity Cup Season 8, which is being organized in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, will be preceded by a four-day International Coaching Clinic for grassroots football coaches in the state, to be conducted by officials of Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona, who are our international technical advisers.

‎‎Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have concluded a one-day training for medical personnel ahead of the 2026 edition of the showpiece.
‎
‎The exercise which was held at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Onopa Yenagoa had two sessions, practical and theoretical sessions.
‎
‎The training for medical personnel is one of several pre-tournament capacity-building initiatives being put in place by the organizers of the tournament to prepare every department before the commencement of the competition. The training programmes started with the referees’ refresher training, followed by the training for Medics.

An FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic is scheduled to hold on Monday, February 23, with the Match Centre Coordinators and Media personnel training, coming up immediately after.
‎
‎While speaking at the opening ceremony of the medical personnel training, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi, said the training was apt because it would prepare medics with the basic rudiments.
‎
‎He commended the organizers of the tournament for strengthening every department with the requisite skills before the commencement of the tournament, pointing out that the medical department is an essential part of sports.
‎
‎In his remarks, former member of the CAF Medical Committee, Dr. Peter Singabele, who is currently the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, BYSIEC, gave the organizers the thumbs up, for their yearly innovations, stating that the continuous innovations have shown that the Prosperity Cup being tagged the biggest grassroots football tournament in the nation was not a fluke.
‎
‎Chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Barr Poubeni Ogun, who was represented by the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, likened the exercise to the save-a-life initiative by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, describing the programme as “massive”.
‎
‎The resource person, Dr Iteido Noel Orukari, an Emergency Medicine Specialist at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, highlighted the principles of emergency management which is anchored on the acronym (ABCDE) which means “Airways maintenance”, “Breathing Assessment”, “Circulation and Bleeding Control”, “Exposure” and “Environmental Control”.
‎
‎Dr. Orukari equally enumerated the common sports emergencies which include sudden cardiac arrest, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, fracture dislocation, sprain and strain, head injuries and concussion, spinal injuries, and bleeding.
‎
‎He explained that for emergencies to be prevented in sports, players must undergo pre-participation medical screening, Adequate warm up and hydration, protective equipment, proper coaching and conditioning as well as an emergency action plan in place.
‎
‎Dr Orukari appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the training, adding that it is capable of averting emergencies when the competition commences.
‎
‎Some of the participants, Diete Spiff Michael, Gift Preye, a student of the Federal University, Otuoke, Biu Victoria Oyintokoni, a nurse, all said the training programme was refreshing, maintaining that they are ready to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism.
‎
‎They appreciated the government and the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, adding that the exercise has exposed them to what they are expected to face during the tournament.

The medics training programme is organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development.

By Alambo Datonye

Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe has given plaudits to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its investment in sports Development in the country.

Mr. Akpe, driver of the vision of the biggest grassroots football competition in Africa, who spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, said the funding provided by the Commission had immensely triggered a sports revolution in the region and the nation at large.

‘What we saw in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the 1st edition of the Niger Delta Games and what we are seeing in the second edition in Benin City, shows that there is a deliberate and structured attempt to develop sports in the Niger Delta and in the country. We must therefore commend the NDDC for this, especially the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Chairman and the entire Board for this massive support for sports. Yes, it is enough to build bridges, roads, airports, but if you don’t develop human capacity, then you leave a huge lacuna in society’, he enthused.

Mr. Akpe, who is a member of the Main Organising Committee for the Niger Delta Games, urged other States, the organized private sector and other organisations to take a cue from Bayelsa to support the NDDC’s efforts, noting that investment in sports creates employment for citizens, take the youths off the streets, crimes and social vices and make the society a safer place for everyone.

He also gave kudos to the project initiators and organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon for the vision of introducing the first ever regional sports festival in the country.

‘Let me also give thumbs up to the vision bearer, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo for initiating this. May God strengthen him and his team and give him the wisdom to take these Games to greater heights. With this, we have seen that local talent could transform any project. With these two editions, they have taken sports development and management to another level. It is not easy coordinating nine States and bringing them to one location, equipping, kitting, accommodating, feeding and funding them. This is really massive and I want to encourage them to do more’, the DG stated.

The Director General said organisers of the Prosperity Cup were in serious discussion with the NDDC, expressing the hope that the talks would bear fruits soonest, especially with the international brand, FC Barcelona coming into the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament as International Technical Advisers.

Mr. Akpe who said with such brand and the NDDC coming in, sports and football development in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta would get to a different pedestal by increasing professional level of coaching, scouting, talent identification and promotion, as well as exposing young footballers to better professional contracts in the major leagues in Europe and other parts of the world.

He thanked key partners such as Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Binad Waters and recently, the Nigerian Customs Service through the Comptroller General of Customs, who is also the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and has encouraged the Prosperity Cup just as he called on others to take a cue and support the tournament.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Niger Delta Games will be sustained, urging state governments to join in sponsoring the sports fiesta.

Ogbuku gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State, as contained in a statement by, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDCs, Director, Corporate Affairs.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the Commission was committed to the continued sponsorship of the games, noting that the sports festival was carefully crafted to target amateur athletes.

He added, “We found out that the state governments hire people from other states in the name of winning gold medals. This competition is aimed at the amateur athletes. From here, they will be professional. All athletes come from their respective states. Let us use what we have to groom our athletes.

“This opportunity could only be given by renewed hope. This competition has come to stay. This is part of our sports intervention. We welcome the governors’ support. The NDDC is the sole sponsor at the moment. We believe the state governments will support us to sustain the games.”

Ogbuku stated that the games were where raw talents are discovered, harnessed and brought to the limelight.

He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration gave the youths the opportunity to participate in the games.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, tasked the NDDC to expand its opportunities and invest in initiatives that empower the youths and women.

President Tinubu said sports remained an instrument of unity and empowerment known to mankind.

He also commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative and said his administration prioritised human capital development alongside infrastructural development.

Tinubu stated: “Niger Delta youths are creative and ready to compete. Beyond medals and trophies, this game is about talent discovery. Nigeria must lead. Young talents must see sport as a pathway to career and global recognition”.

In his address, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo announced a N20m reward for the state that emerged as the winner and a N10m reward for the runner-up.

He said the sporting event represented more than competition but symbolised possibilities.

According to him, “The games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent, and boundless human potential.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, who is the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Games, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stated that the 2nd edition of the games built on the success recorded at the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,

He urged the youths to compete fairly and use the opportunity to start their journey to the top of international competition.

The Senate President, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyoung , said the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives for youth development and entrepreneurship.

He promised to work with the NDDC to drive development and charged the athletes to showcase the true spirit of the Niger Delta.

Over 3000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta States are participating in the seven-day event, which is sponsored by the NDDC.