Westend Mixed Secondary School yesterday kicked off the fifth Zenith Bank/Delta Principles’ Cup at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Asaba, on a blistering note, beating Niger Mixed Secondary School 5-1.
Declaring the ceremony open, the Secretary to Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah, who represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said the state was totally committed to using sports as a tool to solve the current socio-economic problem bedeviling the country.
Ukah said: “I want to welcome everyone to yet another edition of the Zenith Bank Delta State Principals’ Cup held at the State Capital Asaba. We are happy to be part of this historic football event. It is an opportunity for our young ones to showcase their football artistry.
“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has directed that all principals’ and games masters of the various schools should use this opportunity to scout for raw talents that would be nurtured into maturity. Delta State believes in catch-them-young.”
Zonal head of Zenith Bank, Delta State, Lucky Ighade, applauded the participants for keeping faith with the sponsors, adding that the organisation was totally committed to the overall development of the state through sports.
“I welcome everyone present here, most especially the schools that taking part in this edition of Zenith Bank Delta State Principals’ Cup. We have been in this for the past five years and will continue to partner Delta State government in this developmental sports programme. I want you all to be good ambassadors of your various schools.”
Earlier, the commissioner for Secondary School Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, said: “I’m highly delighted to welcome you all to the official kickoff ceremony of the fifth edition of the 2021 Zenith bank Delta State Principals’ Cup football championship.
The competition from inception is aimed at identifying budding talents and nurturing them into world-class future football stars.”
