By Ogar Monday
The Cross River State Government has presented Linda Ayade Football Club, a new female team to the media in Calabar the Cross River State capital.
Presenting the new football club while giving records of medals won by the state in recent competitions, the Chairman of the commission Mr. Orok Duke averred that the formation of the team was part of the ways to give Cross Riverians a chance to showcase their talents through different sporting opportunities in the state.
Explaining the reason behind the names, the former legislator said his efforts to get political leaders, especially the Senators representing Cross River North, Central and Southern Senatorial Districts; Rose Oko, John Owan-Enoh and Gershom Bassey respectively, to sponsor a team has been fruitless and the reason why the team was named after the Governor’s wife.
He also met some aspirants including Mr. Chris Agara who is gunning to replace Mr. Owan-Enoh.
“We went to everywhere. I went to Senator Rose Oko, she said she will get back to me. I went to Senator Owan Enoh because when you are doing sport, you don’t care the party. I went to Senator Gershom Bassey, and he said he will send Maurice Orok Edem to me. I have waited one year now and nothing has happened,” said Mr. Duke.
He added that, “after all efforts to raise funds to sponsor sporting activities in the state proved abortive, he had to turn to Governor Ben Ayade “who immediately approved additional funds for the commission which has enabled it carryout its mandates so far.
“Therefore, I have to name the teams Ben Ayade United after him and Linda Ayade FC after his wife. The clubs could have taken any names if I had different sponsors.”
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