Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has reiterated his call for corporate organizations operating within the state to actively participate in the advancement of sports development. His appeal specifically highlighted the need for support towards Bayelsa Queens, the state’s female football team currently representing Nigeria in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League. The team’s impressive run in the WAFU B zonal qualifiers, culminating in their upcoming final match against Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas, underscores the significance of this call for corporate backing. Governor Diri emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in nurturing athletic talent and promoting the state through sporting achievements.
The Governor’s plea, delivered during the 172nd state executive council meeting, underscores the financial demands inherent in sustaining a competitive football team on both national and continental stages. He commended Premium Trust Bank for setting a positive example of corporate social responsibility by donating a Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens during the previous Governor’s Prosperity Cup. This gesture, according to Governor Diri, serves as a model for other organizations to emulate in supporting the team’s ongoing campaign. He stressed that such support not only benefits the team but also enhances the state’s image and contributes to the overall development of sports within the region.
Governor Diri’s appeal highlights the crucial role of public-private partnerships in fostering sporting excellence. While the state government plays a significant role in funding and facilitating sports programs, corporate involvement is essential for providing additional resources and expertise. This collaboration ensures that teams like Bayelsa Queens have the necessary support to compete at the highest levels and achieve their full potential. The Governor’s message encourages a sense of collective ownership and responsibility for the team’s success, urging both corporate entities and individuals to contribute to their journey in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Governor’s focus on Bayelsa Queens’ participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League reflects the growing importance of women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa. The team’s previous achievement of winning the WAFU B qualifiers and securing third place in the 2022 Champions League demonstrates their potential to excel on the continental stage. By calling for increased support, Governor Diri aims to ensure that Bayelsa Queens have the resources necessary to build on their past successes and continue to represent the state and the nation with distinction. He recognizes the potential of the team to serve as ambassadors for the state and inspire young female athletes.
The upcoming final match against ASEC Mimosas represents a critical juncture in Bayelsa Queens’ pursuit of continental glory. Governor Diri’s call for support comes at a crucial moment, emphasizing the need for a unified effort to propel the team to victory. He encouraged Bayelsans, investors, and businesses operating in the state to rally behind the team, offering both moral and financial support. By highlighting the importance of this match, the Governor aims to galvanize the entire state behind Bayelsa Queens as they strive to achieve their continental ambitions. He framed the team’s success as a collective victory for the entire state.
The Governor’s emphasis on the importance of corporate social responsibility in sports development extends beyond mere financial contributions. He underscored the broader impact of such support, including the promotion of a positive image for the state, the empowerment of young female athletes, and the fostering of a vibrant sporting culture. By encouraging corporate organizations to invest in sports, Governor Diri aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not only individual teams but also the wider community. He believes that supporting sports translates into investing in the future of the state’s youth and fostering a sense of community pride.
