The wife of the first governor of old Rivers State and Queen of Twon-Brass Kingdom in Bayelsa State, Her Majesty Queen 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 on Saturday during the opening ceremony of her maiden Female Annual Soccer Cup Championship organised in collaboration with the Character Moulding Foundation.
The football tournament meant for female secondary school students across the state is scheduled for between November 22 and November 29, 2024, at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, with the theme: ‘Engaging the Girl-Child to Shun Harmful Practices’.
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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 had 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.
Queen Diete-Spiff stated: “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 healthy while promoting social awareness and fostering equality among the youths of Bayelsa State.”
The special guest of honour and First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. 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.