In a bid to ensure that participants of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup Football Competition are those within the age bracket, the Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, said the ministry has introduced the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), into the screening process.
This is to ensure that only those qualified to participate in the sporting event met to catch them young are allowed to participate.
The Commissioner, an educationist, made the disclosure on Wednesday October 2nd 2024, at a joint press conference in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The 7th edition of the competition which is slated for Monday October 7th would end November 7th 2024, with the official kick-off at St. Patrick’s College sports field, Asaba on Wednesday 9th October.
Hear her: “I am delighted to welcome everyone to the Press Briefing for the 2024 edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup Football Competition. The Competition is in its 7th edition and it is fully sponsored by Zenith Bank Pic.
“The Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup Football Competition is a competition organized to foster the love of sports in our youths and to also provide an avenue to discover young budding talents in the game while simultaneously fulfilling the exercise needs of our youth.
“I would like to use this medium to express the appreciation of the Delta State Government and the Ministry of Secondary Education in particular, to our esteemed title sponsors “Zenith Bank Pic.” for their continued support and benevolence in sponsoring the Principals Cup up to the seventh edition of the tournament.
“This endeavor is worthy of emulation as Zenith Bank remains a trustworthy partner in the development of grass root sports in the State.
“The 7th edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals Cup Football Competition promises to be an improvement on the past edition as we have introduced the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) to check and avoid impersonation during the screening processes.
“As usual, the competition remains open to both public and private secondary schools in Delta State. Furthermore, the tournament is scheduled to run from Monday, 7th October to Thursday 7th November, 2024.
“The official kick – off of the competition will be held at St. Patrick’s College sports field, Asaba on Wednesday 9th October, 2024 and the preliminary stage of the competition will simultaneously commence on Monday 7th October, 2024 across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State”, just as she wished all participating schools a successful outing.
Also speaking, the Representative of Zenith Bank, Dr. Ifeanyi Attama, said the 2024 edition is laced with excitement, aspiration and consolidation.
“Over the years, the competition has witnessed a remarkable surge in competitiveness, with the number of participating teams skyrocketing from 162in the maiden edition to 460 in the previous year and now soaring to 615 schools in the current year.’
“Nevertheless, the love and ethos of fair play will endure as football serves as a unifying force that transcends tribal, religious, regional, and linguistic boundaries.
“As a proud sponsor, it is this enduring love that we stand for. Participants are encouraged to embrace the competition with excitement, honesty, and regard for their fellow competitors while maintaining sportsmanship”
The Competition Consultant, Mr. Tony Pemu said that “every year, try to make the system more credible.
” It is open to all public schools and all registered private schools in the state.
