Deputy Governor Odey Flags Off National Football Tournament

By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Thursday 16th January, 2025 flagged off the Season 3 National Finals of the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL) at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Deputy Governor in an address reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s administration’s dedication to encouraging youth participation in sports as a means of building a sane society and empowering the younger generation. He emphasized the transformative power of sports and assured the organizers of the government’s commitment to collaborating with development partners to nurture young talents and create platforms for their advancement and economic emancipation.

Commending the tournament organizers for promoting flag football as an emerging sport in Nigeria and beyond, Odey highlighted the potential of such initiatives to unlock the immense talents of Nigerian youth. He pledged the state government’s unwavering support in hosting more national and international sporting events.

In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, noted that the tournament aligns with the vision of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” mantra, which prioritizes youth and sports development.

She emphasized that programs of such are pivotal for talent discovery and growth, revealing that two Cross River players are already benefiting from scholarships at U.S. universities.

The National President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), Babajide Akeredolu, described the journey of the league as remarkable, noting that the Aketi Bowl II has brought American football closer to the grassroots.

He emphasized the tournament’s role as a beacon of opportunity for young athletes across Nigeria, providing a platform for talent discovery, scholarship opportunities, and further sports development.

The event was graced by Rt. Hon. Ekaette Okon representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi, other members of the House of Assembly, and State Executive Council members.

The event featured the formal kickoff of the finals by Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Odey, assisted by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem. The match featured male and female teams from Lagos and Akwa Ibom States competing for championship honors.