The Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu has reaffirmed the State government commitments towards raising the bar even higher in sports by providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, and foster a sense of unity and pride among stakeholders.
Dr. Ashibogwu stated this at a press conference ahead of the 2024 edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Headmasters Cup scheduled to kick off October 3 at the Saint Patrick College Asaba.
Dr. Ashibogwu while briefing Journalists at the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat said The annual football competition for Primary schools in the State sponsored by the Zenith Bank Plc in collaboration with Delta State Government, over the past 5 years, has grown in leaps and bounds and thanked Zenith Bank for their unwavering support.
“We have witnessed thrilling performances with incredible talents among our children in Primary Schools in the previous editions.
“As we commence the third edition of the headmasters’ football competition sponsored by the Zenith Bank.
“This year’s edition promises to be the most exciting yet, with about one hundred schools already registered with the process still ongoing.
“The teams have been training tirelessly, and we are confident that the level of this competition will be fierce for the period of four weeks, it would run culminating in the final match to take place on Thursday, 24th October, 2024 at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Dr. Ashibogwu disclosed that the Local Government preliminary matches will be played across the 25 Local Government Areas where each Local Government Area is expected to have its winner emerging at that level of the competition and further represent the LGA as the competition progresses through the Zonal eliminations to the final stages.
The Chief Business strategist and Branch Manager Zenith Bank Asaba who represented the Group Managing Director ofthe bank, Mr. Tony Onyeagwu, assured the state government
that it would continue to partner with its towards creating a platform to enable young Deltans excel.
Mr. Atama said this year’s Headmasters cup would be different from the previous editions as more Delta kids were getting involved hence the competition would be stiffed than
before.
“We express gratitude to His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his exceptional leadership in the state, particularly in sports development.
“This is evident in the recently concluded 8th National Youth Games tagged “Asaba 2024”, where Team Delta clinched the championship for the 8th consecutive time with a total of 111 medals, 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze.
“As proud sponsors, we are excited to support this esteemed event, which is pivotal in nurturing young football talents across the state.
“Today signifies the commencement of yet another thrilling chapter in the legacy of the Zenith Bank-Delta State Headmaster’s Football Cup, which began in 2020.
“This tournament consistently expands in size and influence.
” Zenith Bank Plc, the leading financial icon in sub- Saharan Africa, is unwaveringly dedicated to backing endeavours that empower young people and foster community involvement.
“We take immense pride in this competition’s accomplishments over the years. In addition to our financial inclusion strategy, our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encompasses sports development in the State.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Sir Austin Oghoro represented by Director Finance, Ministry of Secondary Education, Mr. Daniel Akiri urged the schools to play by the rules as anyone caught trying to circumvent the rules and regulations of the competition would be sanctioned.