Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, through the Delta State Sports Commission, has given its backing to the foremost grassroots football competition in the riverine region, the 2019 Sheriff Mulade Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup
The second edition of the inter-ethnic football competition was officially endorsed at a ceremony held in Asaba.
This was made known when the chairman of the local organizing committee, Honourable Ken Nwamuocha, led other members of the LOC on a courtesy visit to the chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa.
Chief Okowa, while welcoming the committee to the state capital, commended the hard work and dedication of members of the committee towards having a successful championship.
“We acknowledge the huge awareness and keen interest that the Ijaw /Iteskiri peace and unity cup, Football Competition has generated in the state and country at large”
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Tribunal dismisses Ogboru’s petition, upholds Okowa’s victory
” I want to commend the brain behind the tournament, Comrade Sheriff Mulade for his commitment towards Grassroot developmental football and sustaining it over the years,” he noted.
The seasoned sports administrator further emphasized the desire of the present administration led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in using sports as a tool to unite, empower and expose youths in the state to become self-reliant and independent.
“Delta State government is interested in any project that seeks to develop the game in the state, and we thank you for this stride while counting on your continuous good working relationship with us, the state sports commission will always keep our doors open to support you.
“So, please feel free to always count on us for any form of assistance in ensuring you have a hitch-free tournament,” Mr Okowa enthused.
Responding to the competition’s endorsement, Honourable Ken Nwamucha, Chairman, LOC, Sheriff Mulade Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity cup 2019, thanked the state sports commission for its support.
He stated that the tournament, as usual, would draw participants from the two ethnic tribes living along the coastal region of the state, the Ijaws and the Itsekiris with the aim of engaging the youths so as to pull their minds away from vices that will disrupt the peaceful coexistence already being enjoyed in the area.
“The official endorsement by the Delta State sports commission, for this year’s edition is a testament that Nigerians should expect nothing but the best in terms of grass-roots football.
“We can only but pledge to abide by the rules of the games, in terms of officiating and players’ conduct,” he averred.
ALSO READ: Okowa begs FG, private sector to assist flood victims
He further charged intending teams to go to the various locations where they can get the forms and register to enable them to participate in the tournament.
On his part, Comrade Mulade thanked the chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Okowa for his support for the competition.
“Getting the nod and support for any football competition by the sports commission is not a ride in the park.
“Indeed, the sports commission subjects initiatives of this kind to close scrutiny to ensure that the concept of Grassroot developmental football, which the body is passionate about, is truly met.
“This is the second edition, and one can only predict that it will wax stronger, as I urge participating teams to always remember the idea behind the competition, which is living in peace with one another in other to attract meaningful development to the area,” he noted.
TribuneOnline gathered that the registration and sales of forms for the competition is currently on as intending teams can visit any of the locations to pick up their forms.
The tournament will kick off on the 16th of November 2019, and two centers, Ugborodo and Benikrukru, will host the 16 teams.
and then