Esther Okoi|2 November 2017
The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Asu Okang has reaffirmed that the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has an unalloyed interest in sports development in Cross River State, thereby enabling the State to retain her enviable position as the number one State in school sports across the country.
Comrade Okang who stated this during a press briefing and inauguration of the 2017 Local Organizing Committee for the Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade Mega Trophy Football Competition stated that the efforts of the Governor is clearly visible in his actions and support of sports as well as his concurrent expenditure in sporting activities in the State.
The Youth and Sports Development boss explained that the Governor’s love for sports development led to the initiation of the Governor’s cup in 2016 held at the Ikom Ultramodern Stadium that saw the Coco Tigers of Etung winning the star prize. He added that the Ben Ayade Mega Trophy Competition serves as a grooming field to cultivate and scout for young talents that can be inculcated into the State team, informing that modalities have been put in place for the management of Rovers FC to be available at all the venues of the competition to spot promising talents that could make up the State team for the 2018 session.
Commissioner Okang revealed that the competition slated to commence from 10th November to 3rd December, 2017 would be held in Ikom, Ogoja and Calabar respectively for effective participation of registered teams and the expectation is that new talents would be uncovered to be conscripted into Rovers FC. He maintained that the State Football Club is undergoing restructuring to evolve as one of the best in the country, stressing that the restructuring is imperative and the 2017 edition of the Governor’s cup would avail the State the opportunity to infuse new vigour and talents into the Club.
While inaugurating the 2017 LOC for the Governor’s cup on behalf of His Excellency, Comrade Okang charged the committee members not to rest on their oars in ensuring that the competition is well packaged and delivered to achieve its purpose. Describing them as erudite, seasoned and ardent followers as well as contributors to the development of sports in the State, Comrade Okang expressed confidence that the committee members would bring their wealth of experience in the sports world to bear in the competition and make the 2017 Governor’s cup memorable and unbeatable.
The committee which has the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sport,Mr. Effiom Effiwatt as Chairman, also has the FA Secretary, Mr. Mike Ushie as Secretary. Other Members of the committee are:, Ekanem Ekpenyong, Agbor Prince, Eni Samuel Okoi, Ukeh Felix, Udeshi David Ugar, Andrea Ekeng Inyang, Kingsley Ongho Erom and Egbung Egbung Odama.
Responding, the Chairman, 2017 LOC of the Ben Ayade Mega Trophy Competition, Mr. Effiom Effiwatt, expressed appreciation for the opportunity given them to serve as well as interpret the policies and vision of the State Governor, stating that the purpose of the Governor’s cup is Grassroots scouting and development of talents in the State. He affirmed that the purpose of the competition will not be defeated and that the LOC will give its uncensored best in making the 2017 edition bolder, bigger and better.
Present at the inauguration and press briefing were: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Ninka Takon; Director Administration, Mr. Otu Otu Okoi; Director Youths, Mr. Emmanuel Effiom; among others.
Esther Okoi
Writes from Calabar
