The third edition of the Delta State Zenith Bank Headmaster’s Cup has kicked off on Sunday, October 6, at Saint Patrick College field Asaba with Azagba Primary School Asaba and Mbala Primary School playing a goalless draw in the opening game.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, lauded Zenith Bank PLC as he performed the ceremonial kick off. He appreciated the sponsor, Zenith Bank for the gesture to foster partnership with his administration to achieve his vision of meaningful development through its Corporate Social Responsibility outreach.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, said that 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 scholars physically and mentally.
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 Zenith Bank PLC for their commitment in sustaining the competition in the state, Oborevwori noted that the achievements recorded in 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 world and urged the younger generation to 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.
Ashibogwu recalled that the premier position of Delta State in National Sports notwithstanding, the governor had always deemed it necessary to groom footballers in the state to world class players, 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 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 a person fit and foster unity .
He reiterated 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 a 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.
