… Okungbowa commends Organisers, MDAs
The maiden Edo Head of Service (HOS) Football Tournament for Edo State Civil and Public Servants rounded off with Team Edo Sports Commission lifting the prestigious tournament’s Cup after triumphing over Government House 2-1 on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Team Edo Sports Commission aid hold on the trophy insisting it remains in their domain as they came from behind to thrash the Osadebe Avenue side.
Efosa Ojo scored for Government House in the 51st minute of play after the first half had ended in a barren situation.
Ganiyu Sani scored the equalizer for the Sports Commission in the 73rd minute, while Efe Osunde netted the winning goal in the 80th minute to seal victory for Olympian Yusuf Alli boys.
Earlier, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) won the consolation
Bronze medal after beating the Ministry of Physical Planning in the third place match. They won the third place position with a 4-3 scoreline on penalties after 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Meanwhile, the winners of the tournament pocketted the N500,000 star prize just as the silver Medalists Government House got N300,000, while the third place winners SUBEB went home with N200,000.
Presenting the trophy and the Star prize of N500,000 to the winners, Edo State Sports Commission, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa congratulated the team and management of the Sports Commission led by Olympian Yusuf Alli and all the Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government that participated.
The HOS also expressed his gratitude to the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and all the sponsors of the tournament.
“A lot is being done by the Edo State Governor in transforming the Edo Civil and Public Service environment, and we feel that there is need to build synergy among public and civil servants in terms of socialization and bonding.
“We also need to collaborate and cooperate, and we feel the opportunity to do that may not exist during work hours, that is why we decided to organize this competition for Edo workers.” Dr Okungbowa stressed.
The Edo HOS believes that when workers exercise regularly, they become fit, younger, healthier and mentally stable for the work.
He commended the chairman of the Organising Committee of the tournament, Mr. Victor Edokpayi, who is incidentally the Director of Facilities, Edo State Sports Commission.
Dr. Okungbowa who said he was impressed with the organisation, also appreciated the Edo FA Chairman, Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunsee, and promised that next year’s event will be bigger, better and greater.
