Ecobank Nigeria has been commended by Delta State government for its massive support to sports development in the state.
Speaking at the 15th Delta State Federations Cup final, which took place in Warri at the weekend, Amos Utuama, deputy governor, said Ecobank deserved accolade and commendation for sponsoring the competition since its inception 15 years ago, noting that with the development, the bank had helped in no small measure to engage youths in the state productively, and urged other corporate organisations to emulate the bank.
Speaking in the same vein, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, chairman, Delta Football Association (DFA) Cup Organising Committee, observed that with the sponsorship, the bank had demonstrated its love for the youths and people of Delta State. In particular, he saluted the bank’s managing director for sponsoring the competition annually, noting that, it was on record that the hall of fame in DFA will not be complete without mentioning his name.
“Despite the challenges in the banking sector, Ecobank under Aku’s watch has kept faith with us. This is the longest football sponsorship deal in Africa. We wish Ecobank success in their business endeavours,” he said.
On his part, Jibril Aku, managing director, Ecobank Nigeria, maintained that the bank will continue to support sports and other initiatives in the state and the country at large.
Aku, who was represented at the event by Kingsley Umadia, executive director, South South/South East, used the opportunity to explain the bank’s various corporate social responsibility initiatives, products and services, and significant milestones, urging them to continue to do business with the bank.
The high-point of the event was the conferment of DFA Lifetime Achievement Award on the Ecobank managing director. Awards were also given to other various individuals, including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, his deputy, Amos Utuama, and the group sports editor of The Nation newspapers and Sporting life, Ade Ojeikere.
Others included Solomon Ogba, Larry Izamoje, John Oganwu, and a post-humous award on Pius Origho.
At the end of the match, Wolves FC defeated hard fighting Bobbies United, also of Warri, by a lone goal to retain the Delta State FA Cup. Wolves won the game through Ike ThankGod’s powerful header, which beat Bobbies United goalie early in the second half. In all, 67 teams participated in the competition.
