The Delta State Government has extended profound appreciation to Zenith Bank Plc for its steadfast and commendable support in promoting youth empowerment and sports development across the state. This recognition comes as a result of the bank’s continued sponsorship of the highly celebrated **Delta State Principals’ Cup Football Competition**, a grassroots initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing budding football talent among secondary school students.
During a press briefing held in Asaba on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Secondary Education, **Mrs. Rose Ezewu**, lauded Zenith Bank for its unwavering dedication to the initiative over the past eight consecutive editions. She emphasized that the bank’s consistent backing has not only ensured the continuity of the competition but has also significantly enhanced its stature, transforming it into a premier platform for identifying and developing young sporting talent within the state.
“The Principals’ Cup has become more than just an annual football tournament. It has evolved into a symbol of hope and opportunity for thousands of students who harbour dreams of combining academic excellence with a potential career in sports,” Mrs. Ezewu stated. “Zenith Bank’s sustained investment in this programme speaks volumes about its corporate social responsibility and its genuine interest in the future of our youth.”
She further highlighted the far-reaching impact of the competition, noting that several former participants have advanced to professional football careers, representing Delta State at both national and international levels. “We are beginning to see tangible results—students who started in this competition are now wearing the state’s colours on larger stages. These are the success stories that inspire others to dream bigger,” she said.
Beyond the football field, the Commissioner noted that the competition plays a critical role in instilling vital life skills such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership—qualities that are essential not only in sports but in academics and life as a whole. “The Delta State Principals’ Cup has become a powerful tool for character formation, social inclusion, and youth engagement,” she added.
Also present at the event was **Dr. Ifeanyi Atama**, Zonal Head of Zenith Bank, who reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sports. He explained that the Zenith Bank–Delta State Principals’ Cup, first introduced in 2017, aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of fostering youth engagement and community development through strategic partnerships.
“Our ongoing collaboration with the Delta State Government reflects our long-term vision to harness the power of sports as a vehicle for social and economic empowerment,” Dr. Atama said. “We believe in the transformative potential of youth, and through this platform, we are creating an avenue for talent discovery and personal growth.”
Dr. Atama went on to highlight the intrinsic values that football promotes—discipline, teamwork, focus, and perseverance—stating that these values are not only vital for athletic success but also serve as building blocks for strong moral character and responsible citizenship.
The event also featured remarks from **Mr. Tony Pemu**, the competition’s consultant, who underscored the strategic purpose behind the Principals’ Cup. According to him, the initiative goes far beyond the mechanics of a tournament; it is a talent incubation project with long-term goals.
“This is not just about playing matches or winning trophies,” Pemu noted. “Our vision is to scout, mentor, and elevate young talents from grassroots levels to national and global platforms. We are actively pursuing collaborations with international scouts and training academies to ensure that the dreams of these young athletes extend beyond the borders of Nigeria.”
Pemu also pointed to the increasing popularity and reach of the competition, citing a steady growth in participation from schools across all senatorial districts of the state. “Each year, we witness a rise in the number of schools eager to be part of this initiative, which shows the growing credibility and value of the competition in the eyes of educators, students, and communities alike,” he said.
In conclusion, the Delta State Principals’ Cup stands today not only as a sporting event but as a dynamic and far-reaching youth empowerment programme—one that owes much of its success to the strategic support of Zenith Bank Plc. As the competition continues to thrive, stakeholders remain optimistic about its future and its capacity to shape a generation of disciplined, talented, and purpose-driven young Nigerians.
