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Delta State Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme has described football competitions as more than just a game as it teaches invaluable lessons of life on how to handle both victory and defeat, and how to persevere in the face of challenges.

Sir Onyeme stated this, Wednesday, at the official kick-off ceremony of the 2024 Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup held at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba.

According to the Acting governor, the competition goes beyond football. He noted that it is about building character, fostering teamwork and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Sir Onyeme said: “It is my pleasure to be with you today for the kick-off of the 2024 edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup Football Competition. This event has blossomed over the years to become a symbol of unity, passion, love and talent hunt in the game of football.

“Let me appreciate every school, team and individual present here today for your dedication and sportsmanship, which has sustained the competition thus far. I believe this competition goes beyond just football; it is about building character, fostering teamwork and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

“Football, as we all know, is more than just a game. It teaches us invaluable lessons of life on how to handle both victory and defeat and to persevere in the face of challenges.

“Most importantly, the students gain experiences on team work that facilitates achieving a common goal. These lessons will serve the students well in all areas of life. In addition, football has become a very big business. Football players across the globe have become billionaires plying their trade across many countries. Let us use this competition to justify the saying of ‘catch them young.’

“l understand that about five hundred and forty-four secondary schools across the State have registered to participate in the tournament at the preliminary level.

“That out of this huge number, one champion will emerge from each local government area to meet at the zonal stage at eight venues. This number will continue to trickle down to the last two finalists that will play at the final match.”

Onyeme used the occasion to appreciate Zenith Bank Plc for identifying with the State government in promoting schools’ sports in the State and also appreciated the priceless efforts of Hide Plus Limited for bringing the idea into fruition.

“This gesture is highly acknowledged by the government and it is hoped that it would be extended to other areas in the near future.

The Acting Governor who noted that the future of football in the state and the nation was bright, expressed confidence that the level of talents and enthusiasm displayed by some of the players would no doubt enable them to attain great heights, including representing the country.

Continuing, Onyeme said: “I wish all the teams the very best of luck. Whether you lift the trophy or not, you are all winners for having participated. Keep pushing forward, keep dreaming and keep striving for excellence.”

Earlier in an address, the Commissioner, Ministry of Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, said, the Zenith Bank Delta Principals Cup Football Competition meant to foster the love for sports in school age youths and also expose them to the gains in the game of football, encourage and nurture team spirit among them.

Mrs. Ezewu noted that this year’s edition of the tournament promises to be filled with action as both public and private secondary schools across the state were ready to lock horns as they jostle for the top position in the competition and become the Principals’ Cup Champion for the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to the commissioner, the winning Team in the 2024 tournament would be presented with a bus and also represent Delta State at the forthcoming National Secondary Schools Football Competitions in Nigeria.

She said the competition had remained sustainable due to the relentless commitment of the title Sponsor, Zenith Bank Plc, who have continued to graciously fund the competition, adding that the tournament had shown good results in the past and promises to continue to be a pivotal pedestal for the development of grassroots sports in Delta State.

Highlight of the ceremony was the official kick off of the football competition by the Acting Governor, while the opening match featured between Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba and Zappa Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.