The wife of the first governor of old Rivers State and Queen of Twon-Brass Kingdom in Bayelsa State, Her Majesty Queen Dr. Josephine Diete-Spiff, has reiterated her foundation’s commitment in promoting core values to empower the girl-child to shun violence and harmful practices.
She stated this during the opening ceremony of her maiden Female Annual Soccer Cup Championship organized in collaboration with the Character Moulding Foundation, among female secondary school students scheduled for November 22nd – 29th, 2024, at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, with the theme: “Engaging the Girl Child to Shun Harmful Practices”.
Diete-Spiff, who also doubles as the President of the Queens of the Niger Delta, advised governments at all levels and the private sector to invest more in female football, adding that it has become a powerful force that promotes oneness, solidarity, unity in diversity and inclusion.
She noted that the initiative provides a vital opportunity of an extra-curricular activity that will positively engage young school girls, thereby preventing them from indulging in harmful and anti-social practices.
“The girl child has been part of my project over the years. This is not my first time because in my kingdom I do it very often. This is the first time in the state I am doing it in a larger way to help the girl child to shun violence, to have confidence in themselves, to create strength in them and to compete favourably.
“The girl child has over the years been intimidated and pushed to the background. This is an opportunity to come out and know that what a man can do, they too can do it also.
“This initiative will inspire a culture of inclusion among girls, breaking down barriers of discrimination and harassment as they embrace cultural diversity. It will empower girls to become focused and health while promoting social awareness and fostering equality among the youths of Bayelsa State”, she said.
The special guest of honour and First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, commended the Queen of Twon-Brass Kingdom for creating the opportunity and also providing the platform to assist young school girls in discovering and nurturing their football talents and abilities.
She said, “This championship is the first tournament of it’s kind in Bayelsa State. It is an opportunity and a privilege that every one of you should leverage on and do better. Her Majesty has given you the platform to be seen. I am an advocate for the girl child to be seen and heard. This is just the beginning and I believe they are going to do much more.”
“I will to thank the organizers, various supporters, donors and partners of this programme for picking the girls football championship to support. I want you to know that the girls are going places, we are no longer where we used to be, we no longer shy away from the realities and responsibilities. We have come to match with our male counterparts and in no time, we are going to make you proud too.”
The President/founder of Character Moulding Foundation, Character Dr. Colony Christian Kokoriko, said that two female secondary schools were selected from each of the eight local government areas of the state, adding that a total of sixteen teams will be competing for the prize for first, second and third positions including scholarships and other awards.
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