Baskadia

The special adviser on sports development to the Governor of Cross River State , Hon. Ekanem David Ekpenyong has encouraged young people in the rural areas of the state to be passionate about playing football and other sporting activities with the view of gaining employment through sports.

Hon. Ekanem who is also Chairman of the Local organizing committee of the Sweet Prince Cup 2024, made the expression while addressing sports area officers who were in his office to collect forms for participating schools in the forth coming Sweet Prince Cup 2024. He frowned at the neglect suffered in the sports sector over the years, which is why the state-wide competition is coming up as part of activities to revive the sports sector in the state and also help the ministry to identify young talents in the rural communities who will be developed to play better and gain future employments through playing football.

The special adviser further disclosed that himself and the Hon. Commissioner of sports development, Hon. Agnes Atsu are impassioned about making Cross River a sports hub, as the sports sector had seized from organizing competitions that will enable them identify young talents that will be developed into stars. He disclosed the ministry's vision of hosting all types of sporting activities to enhance the unity of the people, create Jobs and boost the economy of the state, as the state is lacking athletes, but with himself and his proactive commissioner who have gained the approval of the Governor to revamp sporting activities in the State, Cross River State would regain it's position in making football stars.

He charged the area officers to appropriately distribute the forms, while calling on the private business owners, public spirited individuals and organizations to partner with the Government of Cross River State in the development of Sports.