Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s call to corporate organisations in the state to sponsor sports has been identified as the significant reason for the sponsorship of Bayelsa United Football Club, the state-owned Nigeria Premier Football League side, by Halkin Exploration and Production Limited.
“We know Governor Diri has charged corporate organizations to sponsor different sporting activities as a way of reducing youth restiveness in the state. We have come to play our role in response to his request.
“It is exciting to know that Bayelsa is also a state that respects the rule of law and open to local as well as international investors”, MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited, the Sports Marketing Consultants that facilitated the sponsorship, said yesterday.
Determined to improve the club’s position on the log and contribute to the development of communities where it operates, Halkin, a key player in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, sealed a one-year renewal deal with the club.
Halkin’s sponsorship turned out to be the energy that fueled the club’s return to winning ways in front of their fans with a 2-0 victory over Enugu Rangers in Sunday’s NPFL match day 13 clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Bayelsa United was on a two-match winless run at home after sharing points with Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors, in previous matches, before the sponsorship was sealed.
Before Sunday’s kick off, Club Chairman, Timitimi Ebiki and Halkin’s GM Operations and Production, Lawrence Ayebatonye, unveiled the team’s new jersey.
A 44th minute free kick by league joint top scorer, Mizo was parried by Rangers goalkeeper Japhet Opubo, but Kehinde Lawal was alert to put the ball in the net for Bayelsa’s opener.
Ekeson Okorie stepped up in the 78th minute with the second goal after connecting Kehinde’s assist to send the home fans into ecstasy.
MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited revealed that Halkin has several initiatives to encourage the players and ensure Bayelsa United represents the state well this season.
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