ABUJA – Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo on Thursday in Abuja declared open the President Cup Stakeholders’ Retreat, with a call for emphasis on for grassroots development.
Danagogo, while declaring the retreat open at the Media Centre of the National Stadium said the retreat’s theme, which is “Delivering a Quintessential Tournament’’, was very apt.
He noted that high standards must be maintained in the organisation of the competition, adding that it must cut across the 774 local governments of the country.
“Looking at the theme of the retreat, it is obvious that you have set your minds on strategic planning and management.
“This is to leave no one in doubt that you will rise to the challenges of writing the tournament’s name in gold in the annals of successful sports events.
“At this point, it is needful to bluntly put it before all participants and stakeholders that this tournament must not be treated casually.
“You must be focused and steadfast to ensure that we set enviable events management standards for other segments of the nation’s sports to emulate,’’ the minister said.
Danagogo, while presenting the tournament’s guidelines, drew the attention of the stakeholders on the need to achieve some cardinal objectives.
“You must be able to discover hidden talents, breed future stars, productively and progressively engage the youths, and also develop youths as resources for nation-building,
“Promote national unity and peace as well as mould character and enhance self-discipline,’’ he said.
Guests at the occasion included Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC).
Others were Boni Haruna, the Minister of Youth Development, who was represented Luka Mangset.
Also in attendance were ex-internationals such as Tijani Babangida, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, as well as 36 State Football Association secretaries and 32 Sports Directors.
NAN also reports that the President Cup is scheduled to hold at the various local government areas in the country from Nov. 14 to Nov. 28.
It will hold at the states from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10, and then graduate to the zonal level from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23.
The round of 16 and the quarter-finals will be played at the national level at four centres across the FCT.
They will hold from Jan 4 to Jan. 11 and Jan. 13 to Jan. 14.
The semi-finals are scheduled to hold from Jan.15 to Jan. 17, while the third-place match will take place on Jan. 19 and the final match on Jan. 20.(NAN)
