The Bayelsa State Government has re-affirmed its partnership with Foreign Scouts, a deal that will provide a global avenue for young footballers in the state to showcase their skills.
The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo through the Commissioner for Sports Development, honourable Daniel Igali made the affirmation on Friday when renowned International scouts and coaches from around the world paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Yenagoa.
Honourable Igali who officially welcomed the scouts to Bayelsa, stated that the move was borne out of the desire of Governor Douye Diri to create opportunities for players in the state to develop their skills and gain exposure for global exploit
According to Igali, Bayelsa State is eager to take its rightful place on the global football stage as it inspires young generations to be discovered.
“I welcome all of you to Bayelsa on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri and Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. You were here in August and we saw the length of work you did and we were very impressed, we also adequately were briefed by Ono Akpe and today it has been confirmed that five of our very young athletes are on the verge of going to Europe to ply their trade.
“The goal of every young player is to get to the Zenith of their careers and oftentimes it is such opportunities through the Governor’s Prosperity Cup tournament and your very keen eyes some whom otherwise wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity are now able to have opportunity to travel abroad and we pray that they would be able to be good Ambassadors and that they are good enough to pursue their professional careers.
“So on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri and my direct supervisor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, I want to assure you that you have partners in the Bayelsa State Government who are very desirous we have a partnership as we want to use Sports as a vehicle to lift people out of poverty.” Igali said.
The Sports Director OTP Finland and General Coordinator of the Scouting Programme, Hilary Azodo in an opening remarks commended the Bayelsa State Government for the wide arms of friendship and partnership in putting Bayelsa State football on the map through innovative ideas, passion, and dedication.
“Before I start I would like to thank the Bayelsa of people for having us here once again as Wanada said, ‘when the road is good you make a journey the second time’ and we can see that the partnership is yielding fruits”
“I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for this grassroots sports, the Commissioner, the Director General Ono Akpe, and the Deputy Governor. Bayelsa has been so quiet and peaceful no rancor, no problem, we are very pleased.” Hilary noted.
Earlier, the Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament Ono Akpe intimated the State Government through the honourable commissioner the reason for the scouting Programme.
“This scouting team is here to identify outstanding talents specifically for the January transfer window with the believe through the support of the Sports Ministry and the Deputy Governor and the Governor identified players will go to Europe again for trials and opportunity to play professional football abroad.”
“They are here with the interest to identify the opportunities of partnership with Bayelsa United, Bayelsa Queens and of course the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament and we want to thank the Governor and the Deputy Governor for the support and we believe that with more support we will take our boys to greener pastures.” Ono Akpe said.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Mrs Grace Alagoa alongside high ranked staff of the ministry
Meanwhile, the 3-day Scouting Programme came to a close on Friday with renowned scouts and coaches from around the world, including: Ibrahim Can, the Sporting Director of Adanyspor of Turkey, Fred French, Vice President FC Quomi of Malta, Naujot Singh Brar, X-One Agency of Norway and Turan Aykut, Adabademin FC of Turkey.
Others include Uyammis Hakan, Agent CEO Sports Mgt Agency and Sporting Director, Sakaryarspor – Turkey, Etemike Kelvin Oghale, Chief Scout OTP of Finland and CEO Tristone Sport Management and Nieketien Peter. – Ex-international, now a UEFA B coach and Sports consultant.
