Diri’s call for corporate support lures Halkin to Bayelsa United

(L-R) Chairman, Bayelsa United, Timitimi Ebiki, Captain, Gabriel Briduba and Halkin Exploration and Production Limited’s GM Operations and Production, Engr Lawrence Ayebatonye, unveiling the sponsorship before Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League match day 13 against Enugu Rangers. Bayelsa United won 2-0

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s call to corporate organisations in the state to sponsor sports has been identified as the significant reason for the sponsorship of Bayelsa United Football Club, the state-owned Nigeria Premier Football League side, by Halkin Exploration and Production Limited.

“We know Governor Diri has charged corporate organizations to sponsor different sporting activities as a way of reducing youth restiveness in the state. We have come to play our role in response to his request.

“It is exciting to know that Bayelsa is also a state that respects the rule of law and open to local as well as international investors”, MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited, the Sports Marketing Consultants that facilitated the sponsorship, said yesterday.

Determined to improve the club’s position on the log and contribute to the development of communities where it operates, Halkin, a key player in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, sealed a one-year renewal deal with the club.

Halkin’s sponsorship turned out to be the energy that fueled the club’s return to winning ways in front of their fans with a 2-0 victory over Enugu Rangers in Sunday’s NPFL match day 13 clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Bayelsa United was on a two-match winless run at home after sharing points with Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors, in previous matches, before the sponsorship was