Organisers appeal to government, corporate bodies to invest in sports

The organisers of the NorthWest Petroleum Football tournament have charged governments and corporate firms in the country to invest in sports in order for there to be gainful employment and great reduction in crimes.

Speaking at the final that ended in Calabar at the weekend, the Head, Corporate Communications and Brand Northwest Petroleum & Gas Mr. Dayo Adegun, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a corporate way of giving back to communities. Other firms are encouraged to look for engaging activities that can unite the communities to rid it of violence and empower them for a better future.”

He said, “This is our third time of sponsoring this tournament, which we hope can be used to identify real talents. It was a well-coordinated tournament with all the 10 communities (wards) of the municipal taking part as always. Our intention is to always bring the communities together via football and we are happy to have successfully done this for the third time in a row,” he said.

He added, “Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company is always committed to our host communities where ever we have our operations. We have a deep passion for CSR. We are involved in education, health, children and women empowerment and sports with which this tournament is among.”

Adegun said the company is sponsoring a similar tournament in Ibusa, Asaba, Delta State starting from December 20th.

The sponsor of Ward Nine United that emerged champions, Elder Willie Etim Okokon, said, “It is a thing of joy. In the third year of the competition we have won twice. The tournament is good because it deviates our youths from crime and so on. For two to three weeks they were always here. Some talented youths are also being discovered because some scouts are here to look at what they are doing.”