Otu revives Governor’s Cup Competition 25 years hiatus
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu has revived the state governor’s cup competition after a twenty four years hiatus.
The governor who was represented by the speaker of the State House of Assembly Elvert Ayambem presented a trophy and football to the state Ministry of Sports Development to kick start the competition.
Presenting the trophy, Gov Otu said reviving the competition is consistent with his policy of reviving dead sectors in the state’s economy.
In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu said the competition holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
The governor’s wife who was represented by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon, said with the revival of the competition, the government hopes to bring the people of the state together and strengthen the bonds that binds communities.
‘This competition holds a special place in our hearts because it not only show cases talents embedded in Cross River State but also showcases the rich diversity and cultural heritage of our state.
“The governor’s cup binds together Cross Riverians, promotes a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds that binds us together as communities.
“Let us continue to harness the power of sports to promote unity, foster talent and empower our young people”, she said.
Also speaking, the commissioner for sports development, Agnes Atsu said the aim of the competition is to bring youths from various local government areas with the sole aim of tapping their potentials and expose them nationally and internationally.
She also disclosed that at the end of the competition, they hope to capture talents that will be exported to various parts of the world.
She said the competition has been in limbo for several years and kick-starting it demonstrates the commitment of the governor to the development of sports.
She added that the competition will start simultaneously in four centres namely Yala, Ikom, Ugep and Calabar and will be tagged “Sweet Prince Football Competition “.
Earlier, the chairman of the state football association, Pastor Essien Ayi said since the beginning of this political dispensation in 1999, this is the first time this kind of event is happening in the state.
He said the competition will spark a football revolution in the state as the season sweetness is impacting football development in the state.
