Cross River State - CRSG Signs MOU with UNICEM

[CrossRiverState]

      Sports Development in Cross River State has received another major boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe who signed on behalf of the State Government said the event was to formalize the partnership that has over time existed between Government and UNICEM in the area of sports development.

Mr. Ugbe observed that as part of Government efforts, his Ministry decided to come up with a competition for boys and girls in secondary schools and that signing the MoU is a remarkable step by the Government in its bid to bring in the private sector participation in its sport development efforts.

The Sports boss expressed special gratitude to UNICEM noting that the company saw the vision and bought into the idea and is willing to co-sponsor the competition which seeks among other things to encourage talent discovery of young Cross Riverians in the area of soccer which is complementary to the State Government grassroots sports development agenda.

He said another objective is to enhance the economic empowerment of youths early in life noting that football all over the world is very big business.

Mr. Ugbe stated that the competition is a partnership between the Youth, Sports Ministry and Ministry of Education and is billed to start between September and November of this year.

According to him, the tournament will begin at the Local Government level before progressing to the zonal level, and that the State has been divided into four zones which are; Calabar, Ugep, Ikom and Ogoja.

The Sports Commissioner said the Calabar zone is comprised of Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Odukpani Local Government Areas, while Ugep is made up of Akamkpa, Biase, Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas; Ikom covers Obubra, Etung, Boki, Ikom while Ogoja takes care of Yala, Bekwara, Ogoja, Obudu and Obanlinku.

Mr. Ugbe stated that 8 teams will qualify from these zones, that is two from each zone comprising both boys and girls. They will compete in the quarter final level and will proceed to semifinals and finals in Calabar. The winners from both categories will go home with a giant UNICEM trophy he disclosed.

He said the Government will be solely responsible for the successful organization of the competition at the secondary school levels with the Ministry of Education and expressed appreciation to UNICEM for the partnership.

The Commissioner observed that through this partnership UNICEM has shown that it stands to it's corporate responsibilities and that it is socially responsible for this investment for the development of the youths.

He maintained that when the youths are gainfully engaged, it takes them away from vices, they are also empowered and prepared to maintain their families.

Ugbe assured UNICEM that Government will take every step to ensure a successful competition and expressed the desire to sustain private sector participation in Government programs.

In his speech at the ceremony the Managing Director of UNICEM, Mr. Olivier Lenoir said as a company UNICEM'S core business value is to maintain its corporate social responsibility and this he said was being pursued in different directions.

The MD explained that in line with this commitment, UNICEM has put in resources into human capital development through education, strengthening local economy and improved lives through various empowerment initiatives including skills development, microcredit, financing corporative initiatives and creating access to contracts for local contractors.

He stated that the MoU being signed is a clear demonstration of commitment and the company's determination to continue to explore various ways of enhancing the quality of life.

He expressed the hope that through the initiative, many youths will appreciate soccer as a career and their potentials developed for the good of themselves, families and the society at large.

Via: Cross River State Government - Official Press Release