Headmasters’ Football Competition Kicks Off In Delta As Oborevwori Appreciates Zenith Bank Partnership
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori , has lauded the Zenith Bank PLC for their gesture to foster partnership with his Administration to achieve her vision of meaningful development through its Corporate Social Responsibility outreach.
Governor Oborevwori stated this in Asaba during the kick off ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Zenith Bank/Delta Headmasters’ Football Competition in the match between Mgbala primary school, Okpanam and Asagba primary school, Asaba.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, said that the Zenith Bank/Delta Headmasters’ Football Competition was a testament of his Administration’s commitment to sport development at all stages and levels in the state with the objective of nurturing and developing the school physically and emotionally.
Oborevwori explained that there was positive impact of the tournament in the lives of the learners in schools since the first edition which resulted in increased participation by both public and private schools.
According to the governor, in 2023 , 639 schools participated in the competition, adding that over 700 primary schools had been accredited to participate in the 2024 edition of the competition.
While commending the Zenith Bank PLC for their commitment in sustaining the competition in the state, Oborevwori noted that the achievements recorded I’m the last few years of the tournament which had been sponsored by the Zenith Bank PLC was commendable.
He said that sports had the power to change the would and urged the younger generation to tp showcase their talents and exhibit high sense of discipline.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu stated that the competition was invigorated to strengthen grassroots sports development and foster unity among primary school children in the state.
Dr. Ashibogwu recalled that the premier position of Delta State in National Sports notwithstanding, the governor had always deemed it necessary to groom football in the state to a world class , stressing that this initiative informed Governor Oborevwori’s decision to develop grassroots football where talents could be discovered.
The Primary Education Commissioner, who disclosed that a total of 708 schools had already registered for this year’s edition as against 639 in 2023 edition, thanked the Zenith Bank for their unwavering dedication at ensuring the sustenance of the partnership with Delta State Government.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director (GMD) , Zenith Bank PLC, represented by one of the management staff of the Bank , Mr. Oghonovwu Obayendo said that sporting activities were very important to keep fit and foster unity .
He reiterated the Zenith Bank ‘s commitment to sustain the competition,noting that the sporting activities and educational development of the children could not be overemphasized.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Augustine Oghoro applauded the Bank for their support thus far in the sponsorship of the tournament.
At the end of the regulation time the two teams played goalless draw . The ceremony was attended by the Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Charles Emetulu among other top government functionaries.
