Chairman of Ardova Plc, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Sowami, has explained that his firm decided to continue sponsoring the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League, now rechristened Ardova Handball Premier League, because it believes such support would help the country’s youths find productive outlets for their talents.
The Prudent Group on Friday signed a three-year deal with the Handball Federation of Nigeria to continue sponsoring the Premier League, which begins next month in Benin, Edo State.
Speaking at the unveiling of the new contract following the end of the previous five-year deal, Sowami stated that the firm was able to meet its agreement in the last five years because its belief in youth and sports development subsists.
“Before our sponsorship five years ago, handball, as a sport, did not attract any significant corporate attention and support. I am quite pleased to say that the impact of our sponsorship and the proactiveness of the handball board, led by Mr. Sam Ocheho, made our athletes to excel locally and internationally.
“It has been a clear indication that the Nigerian youth has all the qualities and talents, especially in sports, to navigate these trying times where unemployment and crimes are major problems facing our country.
“These athletes have demonstrated that all they need is our support, encouragement and motivation. With these, we can proudly carry the flag of our nation locally and internationally in all competitions.
“As a company, we are proud of our investments in the Handball Federation and look forward to continued partnership and cooperation with the league,” he said.
Reacting to the new deal, an excited Handball Federation of Nigeria President, Ocheho said the federation is happy to continue with the Prudent Group, as the new brand is one of the firms under the parent company.
“Over the last five years, our league has been known as the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League. But now, we are about to change the name, which makes it historic. Prudent Energy Group has committed a lot to the development of handball in Nigeria, to see the youth benefit from the game of handball.
“With their involvement, we have seen a lot of employment creation, especially with para-military and military teams and some of the state teams. We’ve seen a lot of people gaining employment because everybody wants to be the champion of the Handball Premier League.
“We have seen ourselves performing very well at the international level. And the reason is because we have a league that has been consistent over the period of five years. And that is a testament to the commitment of Prudent Group.
“Since the sponsorship of the Handball Premier League by Prudent Energy came to an end last season; this new season, they remain committed in another guise. And now, we are promoting Ardova, which is also a company under the Prudent Group. We are ready to work with the Ardova brand,” he stated
