Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs will perform the ceremonial kick-off at the opening match of the NDDC U-17 Peace Cup.
The match which is organized by Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF), will kick start at the Ikot Ekpene stadium, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
In a chat with press men on Friday, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator
Godswill Akpabio said he will personally perform the kick-off of the opening match, adding that the football tournament will unite the Niger Delta region.
Akpabio, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Legislative Affairs, Mr. Kufre Inima, noted that his Ministry is ready to partner with GRASOF to organize a historic football tournament.
Speaking, the tournament coordinator, Hon. John Ekpenyong said 2 teams from each State of the Niger Delta region will participate in the tournament, making it 18 teams in total.
He added that the Niger Delta Peace Cup which is solely sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was conceived with the main objective of fostering and consolidating the peace and unity that has existed amongst the States and people of the region, and also to create a veritable platform for the discovery and nurturing of the budding football talents that abound within the States.
Ekpenyong, maintained that it is envisioned by the sponsors of the pro-peace and development football tournament that youths who would be discovered in the course of the tournament.
He thanked the Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor (Barr.) Efiong Akwa and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for their supports and approvals for the tournament to begin.
Meanwhile, legends expected at the opening ceremony are: James Etokebe, Daniel Amokachie, Victor Ikpeba, Sampson Siasia, Etim Esin, Friday Ekpo, Vincent Enyeama, Coach Charles Bassey, Joseph Yobo, Joe Akwa, Pharmacist Isong Isang, Coach Aniedi Dickson and Austin Okocha.