The Central Working Committee of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament has urged the newly sworn in chairmen of the eight local government areas in Bayelsa State to promote sports development, especially football, in their domains.
Director General of the tournament popularly known as the Restoration Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, who stated this in a congratulatory message on their election and swearing in, said their victory was a positive development that would boost sports at the grassroots across the state.
Akpe said organisers of the biggest grassroots football competition in Nigeria appreciate the support of their predecessors and looked forward to strengthening the partnership to promote football development at the grassroots.
He described sports, especially football, as a unifying factor, and, therefore, called on the newly sworn in chairmen to build on the foundation already laid by the Dickson-led Restoration Government in sports development.
The organisers called on them to settle down quickly so they can spread the dividends of the Restoration Government to their council areas for the benefit of those at the grassroots.
“All over the world, sports, particularly football, has helped to develop young men and women physically, mentally and materially. Therefore, all efforts must be made to support and sustain sporting activities, especially at the grassroots where talents abound,” he said.
Akpe stressed the need to ensure the sustenance of the Seriake Dickson Football Tournament even after the expiration of the governor’s tenure in office.
He also solicited their support in ensuring the success of the ongoing Restoration Cup, which is currently in its qualifying stages.
“The Restoration Cup is one of the largest grassroots football tournaments in the country that has been embraced by the government, people and communities in the state. I call on our chairmen to key into this tournament and support it wholeheartedly.”
He noted that the tournament has helped to foster peace, harmony and better relations between communities across the state.
