Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen has described the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as a man that is very committed to sports development.
Eguavoen made the commendation at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Prosperity Cup coaching clinic held at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa.
The NFF Technical Director particularly commended the governor for approving, and releasing funds for the Prosperity Cup and the other component programmes such as the coaching clinic.
Eguavoen said, "On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation, I wish to thank His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri for his approval and release of funds not only for the Prosperity Cup but also for the coaching clinic, which I am sure has impacted on the coaches.
"This is indicative of the governor's commitment to sports development and the results are there for all to see.
"I wish to thank the organisers of the Prosperity Cup and all those involved in the competition. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling exercise".
Describing the clinic as a life-changing programme, he lauded the state government for investing in grassroots coaches in the state.
Eguavoen said grassroots coaches in the state have been greatly impacted with new knowledge in the four-day clinic, saying that he was elated with the enthusiasm of the participating coaches.
The ex-international expressed optimism that great coaches would emerge from the coaching clinic.
While declaring the coaching clinic closed, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali charged the coaches to replicate what they have learnt at the four-day Prosperity Cup coaching clinic in their duties at their various clubs.
Dr. Daniel Igali, who was represented by the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi said he is pleased with the growth of the tournament, particularly the introduction of women and the para-soccer version of the competition.
In his remarks, former member of CAF Medical Committee, Dr. Peter Singabele, expressed confidence that the just-concluded programme would bring the best out of the grassroots coaches.
While speaking, Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, said the programme is in line with the philosophy of the governor of making the youths self-reliant.
Describing grassroot football as the foundation of football in any nation, he commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali for ensuring that the youths realize their potentials through the development of sports in the state.
Some of the participants in separate interviews, appreciated the governor and the tournament organizers for putting the exercise together.
The programme climaxed with an anti-drug abuse session by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure that coaches advise their players to shun drug-related activities in their careers.
The highpoint of the exercise was the presentation of certificates to the coaches that participated in the programme.
