Prosperity Cup Season 6, LGA Finals: Movers FC Emerge Ogbia LGA Champions

 

...Organizers Commend Ogbia Council Boss For A Colourful Final

Nigeria's biggest grassroots football tournament, the Prosperity Cup ongoing local government finals train, continued on Tuesday in Ogbia Local Government with Movers FC of Otuasega emerging Ogbia champions.

Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup witnessed an unprecedented turn out of fans at the Otuasega Township Stadium and was watched by the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon Golden Jeremiah, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Ogbara, Chief I.I. Afagha, former Ogbia PDP Caucus Chairman amongst other dignataries.

Movers FC of Otuasega joined the league of LGA Champions already boasting the likes of Krusaders Feeders FC of Ekeremor, Agbere FC of Sagbama, Odi United of Kolokuma/Opokuma, Kongho United of Brass.

Movers FC of Otuasega beat Anyama FC 2-1 to lift the trophy. Precious Omonibo saw off Brandy Ataria's challenge to feed Elton Mina who chipped the ball into the net in a sublime fashion to put the Otuasega side ahead 10 minutes into the game.

Mina almost made it 2-0 on 20 minutes but his effort was saved by the last man in the defence line of the opposition. Anyama FC should have their goalkeeper Darlington Emeka to thank who kept them in the game with crucial saves stopping Precious Omonibo and Sydney Appiah's shots as well.

Sydney Appiah doubled the lead for the Movers FC on 48 minutes from Precious Omonibo's beautiful low pass as he rifled home to score the second goal for Movers FC who completely outclassed the Anyama side.

Vincent Azibapu who was in great form for the Anyama FC replied for Anyama FC on 82 minutes but was unable to secure the second goal that would have stretched the game to penalties.

Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon Golden Jeremiah in his remarks, said the quality of football displayed by both sides has shown that Ogbia is filled with talents that would represent the nation in the future.

The Ogbia council boss thanked Governor Douye Diri and the organizers of the tournament for giving the youths the platform to put their lives on the right track through sports, urging both teams to give Ogbia good representation as the tournament progresses.

He commended the Movers FC and Anyama FC for the orderliness and the show of professionalism, describing grassroots football as the bedrock of football in every nation.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Daniel Baralate Igali represented by the Assistant Director Human Resources Management, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mike Ede-Alakere remarked that the tournament is a means to curb crime and social vices by giving the youths a profitable line of occupation. 

According to him, the Prosperity Administration was committed to engaging young Bayelsans meaningfully through football and as well build capacity in the youths, saying that he was impressed with the electrifying atmosphere in Otuasega.

Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in an address, thanked the people of Ogbia for the hospitality, describing the final as the best witnessed so far in the ongoing local government finals putting the clement weather, hospitality, ambiance and football displayed. 

Mr. Akpe noted that the support by the governor, Senator Douye Diri has been massive in the tournament, pointing out that outstanding players have been identified in both teams that would join the international scouting exercise at the end of this month.

He explained that about ten scouts from Europe are expected to be in Bayelsa for the international scouting program alongside a coaching clinic for local coaches to be acquainted with modern coaching techniques.

Earlier, Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboro appreciated the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government and the people of Otuasega for the colourful atmosphere.

Also, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Gabriel Ogbara lauded the organizers of the spectacle for investing in the youth.

Members of the Prosperity Cup LOC including the DDG Corporate Affairs, Deacon Zuobomowei Emmanuel Appah, the Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboro, the Technical Director, Diseye Nwankwe, Mr Ada Gwegwe, Marvelous Marcauley Akpuluma Jr led by Mr. Ono Akpe alongside Mr Mike Ede-Alakere the representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development had joined the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon. Golden Jeremiah to the Otuasega Township Hall where they received by the chiefs, elders, CDC and the youths of Otuasega before the game.

Organisers of the Prosperity Cup presented a plaque and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000.00) to Movers FC of Otuasega, a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) to Anyama FC and an award to the Ogbia Council Boss for his support to the development of sports and ensuring a successful final.

The highlight of the event was the donation of a new pair of jerseys by the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Hon. Mitema Obordor to Movers FC as the Champions of Ogbia Local Government Area.

The LGA Finals Train moves to the Nembe Township Stadium on Thursday for another exciting final between Nembe FC and Fisherman's Sons FC .

NDDC 2024 Budget and Funding of Legacy Projects

By Ifeatu Agbu

It took the composure, confidence and sincerity of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to win the approval of the Senate for the N1.911 trillion 2024 budget of the Commission within 24 hours.

Appearing before members of the National Assembly for budget defence could test the wits of many and push their adrenalin into overdrive. Luckily for the current leadership of the NDDC, its performance scorecard is loaded with positive outcomes that inspire hope.

The Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, attested to this recently during the inauguration of the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road, in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, showered praises on the NDDC Board and Management for delivering impactful projects in the Niger Delta region. He said that despite the enormous challenges of developing the region, the NDDC had risen to the task by executing projects that have improved the lives of the people.

Against this background, one can understand why the NDDC budget was treated with dispatch and approved with minimal queries. The Senators were convinced that the proposals presented by the NDDC, represented a clear roadmap for the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.

In retrospect, the NDDC has been fortunate to enjoy a somewhat cordial relationship with both chambers of the National Assembly. Last year, after initial misgivings over the accumulated budgets of 2021, 2022 and 2023, the National Assembly was convinced to pass the budgets for the three years.

Indeed, the rapport between the NDDC and the lawmakers shone light a bright light in 2017 when the legislators facilitated the expeditious passage of the amendment to the NDDC Act as it relates to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG.

The amended law included a clause that the NLNG and other gas-producing companies must pay not less than three per cent of their annual total budget into the coffers of the NNDC as their contributions to the fund of the Commission. It also included that the percentage should be fixed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Evidently, the NDDC has very good reasons to be thankful to the lawmakers, who are among its numerous supervisors. For the records, the Act establishing the NDDC makes it one of the most monitored Federal Government agencies in the country.

The relevant committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives, the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the Advisory Committee made up of all the governors of the region, among others, take turns to beam searchlights on the activities of this very important interventionist agency. In a way, this has helped the commission to always be on its toes.

The intention of the Act setting up the NDDC was for the key development actors in the region, especially the state governments, to play a strategic role and indeed take leadership in the harmonisation of the development strides in the region.

The Act provided and constituted the nine governors of the region into the NDDC Advisory Committee, thereby creating a window for the joint inputs of the governors and most importantly a platform for regional integration of plans, projects and programmes.

It is expected that the NDDC Advisory Committee will use the window of the impending review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan to reflect the vision of the various states into the development compass and take ownership of the plan.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, underlines the fact that regional development requires robust funding to effectively address specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. He notes that timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges, stating: “There is no doubt that funding is critical to the development of the Niger Delta region and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”

Ogbuku, said that the 2024 appropriation was anchored on the theme: “Budget of Renewed Hope” in line with the Federal Government’s budget, noting that “the proposed budget seeks to move the Commission from transaction to transformation and it is a product of participatory budgeting process that involves all the major stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.”

He said further: “In preparing the 2024 budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget is this present management’s commitment to a greener future.

Seeing that investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of its fiscal strategy, the NDDC launched a ‘Rewind to Rebirth’ initiative as “a strategic vision designed to recalibrate engagement with the Niger Delta and the Commission’s overall intervention implementation plan.” That initiative provided the bulwark for the Commission’s drive to do things differently, as it also embraced the Public Private Partnership, PPP, model to provide alternative sources of funding for key development projects and programmes.

It is important to leverage private capital to augment public funding, hence the NDDC's deliberate decision to pursue the PPP option. By partnering with the private sector, the Commission can unlock a wealth of resources, expertise, and innovation that will enable it tackle complex development challenges more effectively.

Perhaps, this informed the new strategy of seeking bank credits to bridge the funding gap and accelerate the completion of signature projects. This approach, while requiring careful planning and risk management, offers a unique opportunity to achieve more results within a short period of time.

The plan in the 2024 budget to raise N1 trillion, to be sourced from the development and commercial banks, for the completion of 1,006 legacy projects spread across the region, is pragmatic and should be encouraged to succeed because it is targeted at specific projects, which includes roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore protection and reclamation, among others.

It is noteworthy that the current NDDC’s leadership approach to development and collaboration is beginning to yield bountiful results, as can be seen from the recent commissioning of five flagship projects within 10 days.

Between May 18 and May 28, 2024, the NDDC commissioned the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; the 27.5 kilometre Ogbia -Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC; the 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City, Edo State; the 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa, Ondo State and the NDDC 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

These landmark projects, which are among the 92 infrastructure projects completed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine mandates states of the NDDC, speak of the impact the Commission is making in the quest to quicken the pace of development in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Even with the huge portfolio of projects, stakeholders must not lose sight of the fact that the NDDC is not just about infrastructure development. The interventionist agency is envisioned to look at development from a holistic standpoint that includes investing in education, healthcare, skill training, as well as youth and women development.

An all-encompassing development goes beyond building roads and bridges, it entails human capital development, as well. This too, must be funded adequately and at the right time.

Prosperity Cup Season 6 LGA Finals: Kongho FC Of Akassa Cart Away Prize Money, Trophy As Brass LGA Champions

 

...Beat Water Strikers Of Twon- Brass In Penalty Shootout

The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament popularly known as Prosperity Cup Season 6 LGA Finals continue to record exciting football and draw more support and appreciation across the state and beyond as Brass LGA Final came to climaxing end with Kongho FC the proud winners of the LGA Final. 

 A few minutes after the blast of the whistle, Kongho FC left no one in doubt that they came to the party well prepared.  Their early incursion into their opponents half  almost resulted into a very early goal, but the defence of Water Strikers repelled their attack. 

Nackson Prince of Kongho FC gave the Water Strikers defence a big job on the day as he kept them on their toes every way of the game. As tormentor-general, he threw all spanners at the works of the Water Strikers defense, but they determined not to be undone easily withstood him and the rest of the Kongho attack But their resolute defence could only keep the rampaging Kongho attackers at bay for 11 minutes when Nackson Prince drilled the opener into the far corner of Water Strikers net to the admiration of the capacity crowd that watched the exciting cup final in the coastal city of Brass.

The first half ended with Kongho FC’s one zero lead. On resumption of play, the Water Strikers team showed they were no push overs with a determined approach to overturn the Kongho lead, but the goalkeeper of Kongho reduced their efforts to nothing. Kongho FC took a closer leap to the winner’s trophy when they increased the tally to two through the boots of Ben Oweiwari 12 minutes into the second half. 

When everyone thought it was lights out for Water Strikers, Baratuaipre buried the hopes of Kongho FC in going home with the trophy, though only momentarily, with his equaliser.

The game ended with the scores at 2:2 and went into a penalty shoot out. In the end, Kongho came out tops and concluded the well written script they executed with determination winning the penalty shoot out 4:2 to the joy of the ecstatic crowd.

The Chairman Brass local government represented by the leader of the legislative arm Hon Clement Aseitongha thanked the governor for making it possible to have the tournament and appreciated the organizers for the work they're doing. He also received the award of Excellence for Promoting Grassroots Sports Development and a branded jersey of the tournament for the Chairman, Hon Lucky Febo, from the COC of Prosperity Cup.

The champions were awarded a plaque and a hundred thousand naira (N100,000) only by the COC of Prosperity Cup while Water Strikers went home with fifty thousand naira (N50,000) only and a plaque. 

The LGA Finals will continue in Kaiama on Monday 17th to produce the champion of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area at the Kaiama Grammar School Field.

Rescued From Ghana: Nine Nigerian Girls Return Home, Scholarship Awarded To Victim

 By Our Correspondent

 

Nine teenage Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana have safely arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This follows a coordinated effort led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and representatives from the Imo State government, including Rt. Hon. Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu (Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House) and Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu, Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

 

The girls, who landed around 9:55 PM, were immediately profiled and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care.

 

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the girls would receive rehabilitation and counseling through NAPTIP and be returned to their respective states. She also noted that the alleged trafficker has been arrested and charged in Ghana.

 

Dabiri-Erewa called for a stronger stance against human trafficking in Nigeria, stating, “We must declare war against human traffickers.” She urged parents to remain vigilant about their children's whereabouts and to question the intentions of relatives or friends who take them away. She emphasized the importance of collective efforts to identify and apprehend traffickers.

 

She expressed gratitude to key figures who facilitated the rescue, including the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye Ifedayo, Eze Igbo Ghana Chukwudi Ihenetu, Chief Callistus, Chairman BOT, Ghana, and the NIDO Team. She also commended the Imo State Governor for promptly dispatching a high-powered delegation.

 

In a related development, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, President of the Ugwumba Leadership Center for Africa, announced a full scholarship for Miss Divine Asuzu, one of the rescued girls from Amaokpara community in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State. Following discussions with her parents, Asuzu expressed a desire to continue her education.

 

Nwosu praised the swift actions of Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma and the diaspora community for raising the alarm that led to the girls’ rescue. He reiterated the Ugwumba Leadership Center’s commitment to youth development, stating, “As an organization that promotes youth development in Africa, we hereby award her a full scholarship to study in any of the government universities in Nigeria. Meanwhile, before her admission, we have also approved a monthly upkeep allowance for her.”

 

Heritage Times HT notes that the rescue and subsequent support highlight the collaborative efforts between government officials, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations in combating human trafficking and supporting its victims.

Democracy Day: NYPF Advocates For Transformative Youth Development Policies

 

In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Nigerian Young Professional Forum, NYPF has put forth a series of detailed recommendations for the National Youth Policy.

 

The proposed changes, reviewed by NYPF executive members including Chairman Zaliha Lawal, Mayor Ndukaku, Dr. Ekemini Udo, and media consultant Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, aim to pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Nigerian youth.

 

In a statement signed by the executive members on Wednesday, NYPF emphasized the crucial role comprehensive policy reforms can play in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth. They maintained that this is a call to action for lasting positive change. The policy recommendations have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth.

 

Key recommendations include, Education and Talent Development: Elevate the status of vocational education to eliminate existing stigmas and increase the number of highly skilled workers, transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven nation to a manufacturing hub and innovation-led economy.

 

Health and Well-being: Emphasize the importance of physical and mental health among young Nigerians, address rising rates of drug and substance abuse, and enhance access to comprehensive healthcare services to ensure a supportive environment for overall well-being.

 

Participation and Inclusiveness: Promote equitable opportunities for all youth, ensuring that participation reflects the diverse capabilities and aspirations of Nigerian youth.

 

Therefore, NYPF noted that by adopting these strategic recommendations, the Nigerian government can significantly improve the lives of young people, steering the nation towards a more inclusive and innovative future. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that empower Nigerian youth, ensuring they have the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive in every aspect of life.

 

Democracy Day: Susan Lokpobiri Urges Women To keep Faith In Renewed Hope Agenda

In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Susan Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has encouraged women to keep hope alive, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda will positively impact the economy. 

The ministers wife noted this while speaking exclusively to Bedvikonline in Abuja on Wednesday.

“Today marks the 25th anniversary of our democracy and over a year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. We thank Almighty God for bringing us this far,” she said.

 

According to Lokpobiri, Nigerians have been very resilience as she particularly applauded the people of the Niger Delta region and Bayelsa state for their steadfast support during the countries challenging times. 

“Despite the challenges, Nigerians have believed in the renewed hope agenda of the APC, With God's grace, I am confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver on his promises. I urge everyone to remain patient, keep the faith, and continue praying for the success of his administration” she stated. 

 

Mrs Lokpobiri added that this year’s Democracy Day celebrates freedom, resilience, and determination, reflecting the APC-led administration’s commitment to equity, justice, transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all. 

She highlighted the peace in the Niger Delta Region due to social inclusiveness and cooperation among elders and residents adding that the government remains committed to implementing a comprehensive peace, security, and development plan for the region.

 

Therefore, she urged Nigerians to avoid hatred and intolerance, emphasizing that this objectives can only be achieved in harmony and peaceful coexistence. 

Honoring democracy heroes like Moshood Abiola and Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro, Lokpobiri reminded Nigerians of the cost of freedom and the importance of cherishing democracy.

 

Mrs Lokpobiri who is also a UN Ambassador for Peace therefore concluded by congratulating Bayelsa women on their perseverance and loyalty, assuring them of a brighter future. 

“Do not give up; surely, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Soon, we will hear the sound of abundant rain and showers of blessing. God bless you all,” she said.

 

Prosperity Cup Season 6 Ekeremor LGA Finals

 

Organisers of Nigeria's largest football tournament, Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, the Prosperity Cup, invites the  general public to the inaugural Local Government Finals.

Champions will emerge at the various council areas before the Round of 32 kicks off and will be presented with trophies and cash reward.

Dates For The Local Government Finals Are:

FRIDAY 14TH JUNE -  Ekeremor LGA FINALS

SATURDAY 15TH -       Sagbama LGA 

SUNDAY 16TH -            Brass LGA  

MONDAY 17TH -           Kolokuma/Opokuma 

TUESDAY 18TH -          Ogbia LGA  

THURSDAY 2OTH -       Nembe LGA 

FRIDAY 21ST -               Southern Ijaw LGA , and 

SATURDAY 22ND -        Yenagoa LGA FINALS

Special Guest of Honour - His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

Guests of Honour - The Rt Honourable Speaker and All Honourable Members, Commissioner for Sports Development and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chueftaincy Affairs

Special Guests: All Political appointees, Councillors, Traditional Rulers and council chieftains.

Chief Host - All Council Chairmen 

VENUE: ALL COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS 

The Prosperity Cup 2024

...Taking Sports Development to the Grassroots.