Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has revealed the state’s decision to declare a public holiday in honour of Bayelsa United and their women counterpart, Bayelsa Queens following their emergence as Champions of the 2021 AITEO Cup competitions.
He made this known during a visit to the players and officials of the teams at their camp in Benin City shortly after their victories in the tournament.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo expressed joy over their accomplishments, while describing them as heroes and heroines that Bayelsans are proud of.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo said their success was through God, the commitment of the players and officials of the teams as well as the prayers and support of the people of the State.
In his remarks, he said, “His Excellency has said because of what you have done we are going to declare a Public Holiday in Bayelsa State to receive and welcome you back home. I told you that the spirit of Bayelsa is never intimidated, never conquered.
“I told you that you will come to Benin with the spirit of the Crocodile to conquer the land and the waters. I told you that you will come with the spirit of the power of the Leopard. You have come, conquered and you have made us very proud.
“His Excellency said I should wish you all the best and send his congratulations to you. He has spoken to us all this night. So we are here as a mark of further support to you. So relax and enjoy yourselves this night after your great achievements,
“We want to give thanks and glory to God Almighty for this double victory. God has again performed His miracle. When we say we are the Miracle Governor and Deputy Governor People thought we were joking.
“We said we were coming to Benin to win the two Cups and that is what we have done. The Governor told me to go there, conquer and return and we have come, we have conquered and we are returning”
Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens, on Sunday, made history as they defeated Nasarawa United and FC Robo of Lagos respectively; the first time that two teams from the same state will be winning the two trophies.
Bayelsa Queens beat FC Robo of Lagos 4-2 in the women’s final, while Bayelsa United came out tops 4-3 against Nasarawa United in the penalty shootout after the game ended 2-2 in regulation time.
