Ahead Prosperity Cup final: I’m sponsoring tournament to empower Bayelsa youths says Diri as NFF boss, Gusau pledges support

Photo: Gov Douye Diri (right) and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau at the governor’s country home at Sampou yesterday.

Bayelsa state Governor, Senator Douye Diri has shed more light on why he is bankrolling the Prosperity Cup whose finals come up today (Sunday) at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Diri who spoke while hosting the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau and Nigeria National League (NNL) Chairman, George Aluo as well as other football stakeholders at his Sampou country home said he is doing so to empower the youths.

Diri said his idea of youth empowerment is not to share money to the youths but to embark and sponsor projects that can change their lives.

He pointed out that through the Prosperity Cup competition talented soccer youths from the state can rise to international stardom.

“We are using the prosperity Cup which is the largest grassroots soccer competition in the country to empower the youths,” Diri said.

He thanked the NFF president and his team for coming and assured him of his continued support for Nigerian football.

Gov Diri commended the Director General of the Prosperity Cup tournament Ono Akpe for organizing a wonderful tournament.

NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau while thanking the governor for investing heavily in football said the soccer federation would get more involved in the tournament which can be used to discover hidden talents.

“Moving forward, we will liaise with the organisers to ensure that the objective of the tournament is realized. We will send our coaches here to scout for talents,” Gusau assured.