By AbdulRaheem Aodu
Kaduna
President Goodluck Jonathan has tasked the organised private sector to support government’s effort on sport development by sponsoring sports in the country, adding that sport is a tool for youth empowerment, pace and peaceful co-existence.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan National Hockey Super League that ended in Kaduna at the weekend, Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, urged sportsmen to exhibit spirit of sportsmanship and make Nigeria proud wherever they represented the country.
“This competition held in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts in promoting sport development in the country. Sports is very important to life it improves physical fitness and mental health.
“We shall continue to support sports, I’m calling on the organised private sector to support sporting events in the country, they should key into sponsorship of sports competition it is a business and can create awareness about product and services. We have made sports a key priority in our transformation agenda.”
Union Bank defeated Police Machine 1-0 to win a giant trophy and N300, 000, Police Machine also won the sum of N200, 000. Yobe Desert Rollers defeated Borno state 3-1 to win the third place and N150, 000.
Imo Heartlands piped Plateau state 1-0 to win the female category, a giant trophy and N300, 000. Plateau state went home with N200, 000, while hosts Kaduna state female team beat Benue state 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 affair to win third place match and N150, 000.
Yinka Jayeoba of Union Bank was awarded the most valuable player and best attacker award, teammate Muiz Musa emerged as highest goal scorer, Shahur Muazu was named the best midfielder, while Abubakar Umar was the best goalkeeper. Kano state was the best-behaved team.
Justina Onyedu was the female most valuable player, Roseline Ozo was the highest goal scorer, Blessing Ogbome emerged the best goalkeeper, while Roseline Odo was the best attacker. Folarin Adeyemo was the best midfielder, Adango Onwudije emerged as the best defender, while Benue Amazons was the best-behaved team.
