Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama ( SAN ), has said that the state government led by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan will remain committed in encouraging corporate investors and companies in order to harness every available potentials in the state.
Prof. Utuama, stated this while playing host to representative of Sunderland Football Club (AFC), and some members of Staff of Transcorp Company, who paid a courtesy call on him, at his Udu residence.
Utuama who acknowledged the move by Sunderland foofball club proposing to establish a football Academy in Otu-Jeremi, said apart from other benefits it will complement the human capital agenda of the Uduaghan’s administration in the state.
He explained that the Utuama Peace Cup football competition which has been on for the past six years was intended to keep the youths of the streets and expose them to some football skills. He added that the competition which started as a local initiative has move to Senatorial District now extended to the entire state where the final is played on the 1st of January every year.
He further explained that the state governor who is always the special guest of honour at the event as part of grassroot initiative under the human capital agenda, envisage that every available potential in Delta State should be harnessed either in football, entertainment, Academic, or culture, saying no effort should be spared in grooming young talents in the state to national level.
While saying that Otu-Jeremi which is the headquarters of Ughelli South, has a mini stadium and also the power plant facility, he expresses optimism that Sunderland AFC been a component of the takeover of the plant will create the necessary environment and relationship between the host company Transcorp and the people, and expose the youths who have talents to greater height in football.
According to him; “I want to assure you that investment in football academy in this part of Nigerian will really turn the place around for good and it will create a good relationship for us and Sunderland football club which will indeed be a breeding ground for you to get new talents. We will do everything as a people and as a government to encourage you to ensure that the football academy is established by you”.
Earlier, the Commercial Director, Sunderland Football Club, Gary Hutchinsan, while expressing his appreciation to the state deputy governor for the warm reception accorded the team from Sunderland football club and Transcorp Corporation, said they are on a visit to inspect the facilities on ground Otu-Jeremi power plant.
According to him; “The purpose of Sunderland been here this week is at the request of Mr. Hallimalu and the Transcorp Company to look at collaborating with Sunderland football Club (AFC), coming to Otu-Jeremi in Delta State to build an academy with Transcorp and help develop football in this area of the world”.
