Governor Bassey Otu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain current efforts aimed at resuscitating the sports industry in the state to regain the eroded glory of Cross River state in the sporting arena.
Senator Bassey Otu gave the assurance in Calabar while speaking at the UJ Esuene Stadium during the grand finale of this year's Governor's Cup between Atlantic Warriors of Bakassi and Ekabokom Stars of Ikom.
Represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey who took the ceremonial kick-off to signal the commencement of the thrilling encounter, Otu posited that' We are committed to returning our dear state to that glorious era where Cross River was a reference point in all ramifications"
"All we need is cooperation and support from stakeholders in particular and Cross Riverian in general to guarantee the implementation of our people-oriented policies and programmes to logical conclusion"
He lauded the Commissioner of Sports and the Cross River State Football Association for ensuring a hitch-free competition and sued for robust synergy to optimize the benefits of the competition in exposing local talents to the world stage.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for the unwavering passion and dedication demonstrated towards reviving the sporting sector in the state.
She appealed to corporate citizens and public-spirited individuals to identify with the ministry to complement government efforts to reposition the sector for greater exploits
In her words" the multiple opportunities on offer in the sporting arena for our state in general and youths in particular can not be stressed. Government the world over can not run sports alone"
Atsu continued" Accordingly, I wish to appeal to multinationals doing business in the state to team up with us in creating an enabling environment for our youths to showcase their sporting talents to attract global limelight"
In his remarks, Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association Rt Hon Essien Ayi who was represented by his vice Greg Abang described the return of the competition after a six-year lull as indicative of a bright future for football in the state.
In the enthralling final, Bakassi came behind from a goal down scored in the 12th minute through a curling strike by Ekabokom goal poacher, Kingsley Micheal to subdue the Ikom boys 2-1. Godday Imbush scored the equalizer with a screamer shortly after resumption from the interval while Ibrahim Jamilo netted the winner in the 75 minutes with a sublime volley inside the vital area.
By Ekanem Asuquo, The Beagle News
