Governor Diri Urges IOCs To Fund Bayelsa’s Prosperity Cup

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his call for multinational oil companies and other corporate organisations operating in the state to support sports development, particularly by funding the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.

The Governor made the appeal during the presentation of branded jerseys by the Central Organising Committee (COC) of the tournament. He also launched the official draws for the 2026 edition and distributed kits to three of the 257 registered teams.

Expressing delight at the tournament’s growth since 2015 into Nigeria’s largest grassroots competition, Governor Diri praised the organisers. He stressed that government alone cannot fully develop sports and urged oil companies, other businesses, and well-meaning Bayelsans to contribute, highlighting sports as a vital tool for curbing youth unrest and promoting grassroots development.

Governor Diri also commended the organisers for arranging a refresher course for state referees, urging them to officiate impartially. He thanked lead sponsors, including Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig. Ltd, NDDC, NCDMB, and the Board of Internal Revenue, for their investment in sports.

Mr. Perela Aboro, Deputy Director General of the tournament, assured that the main draws, held at the Golden Tulip Resort, were transparent and predicted this year’s edition would be the best organised yet. Efforts have been made to minimise travel costs for teams by ensuring they play close to their bases.

Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida expressed his excitement for the tournament and the coaching clinic, anticipating a historic edition.

The draws saw various matchups across different centres, including Canaan FC vs. Sangana FC in Okpoama, Ibidi FC vs. Igoni FC, Tough Dynamites vs. Egweama FC, and Amaogbo FC vs. Formosa FC. At the Opu-Nembe centre, Fantua FC will battle Okoroba FC, Young Ranger FC will take on Mangrove Ace FC, and Okoroma United received a bye. Genesis FC will play Victory FC, MC FC will face Nembe City, and Fisherman Sons FC are on stand-by. In Kolo, Abagi FC will tango Diocese of Ogbia, Movers FC battles Emeyal 2 FC, Ewoi FC faces Onuebum FC, and BYCOTECH FC meets Chief Street FC.

Season 8 of the Prosperity Cup, organised in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, will feature a four-day International Coaching Clinic for grassroots coaches, led by officials from FC Barcelona, the tournament’s international technical advisers.