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Uromi 16th December 2020
Prince Odianonsen Odine, native Uromi is a Business Executive, Philanthropist and Community Sports Organizer. He is the host of the currently trending 'Gold Cup', a highly competitive sports event in Uromi Edo State. In this encounter with Esan News Magazine, Prince Odianonsen reflects on his origin, educational background and the motivation behind the trending Gold Cup. Excerpts:
ENM: We are from Esan News Magazine and Radio Esan Online, please can you introduce yourself, town of origin and educational background etc.
Prince Odianonsen: Thank you Esan News Magazine for this platform which has helped to promote Esan Youths and culture. I am Prince Martin Odianonsen Odine, a father and happily married. I am a native of Uromi, Esan North East LGA, Edo State. I am a Business Executive, Investor and Philanthropist. The Managing Director of May Rock Projects Nig. Ltd and May Rock Digital Press, a leading digital printing press in FCT-Abuja.
I was born in Uromi, spent my formative years there before my parents relocated to Agbor where I had my primary Education and then to Benin City where I completed my secondary Education. I had my first degree, B.Sc in Biochemistry from the prestigious Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in the year 2008 and second degree, Masters of Public Administration from the famous University of Benin in 2016.
I am the Chairman and founder of Odianonsen Odine Foundation and a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) having attained this recognition due to my contributions to Rotary Foundation.
ENM: What motivated you to embark on this Football Tournament?
Prince Odianonsen: Football has become a part of our culture, as a source of entertainment, bringing people together and fostering peace and unity amongst one another. In view of this, my Foundation decided to engage the Youth in football competition and to give football fans in Uromi the opportunity to experience unique emotions watching their local teams play.
ENM: Why the nomenclature and who are competing in the competition?
The competing teams are grouped in 3, with teams playing against each other during the group phase. The next stage will be the quarter finals which is round of 8 and then Semi-finals which will see the semi finals winners battle it out for the ultimate prize at the grand finale.
The participating teams are: Dynamic All Stars, Holy Trinity Young Stars, Niger Birds FC, Hausa FC, Equare all stars F.C, Dynamic All-stars , Holy Trinity Leaders (A), Holy Trinity Academy (B), Arue F.C, Pillars FC and Planet Champions.
ENM: What are the stakes? What do the winners stand to gain?
Prince Odianonsen: The Winning team will be presented with a golden cup, cash prize of 150,000 Naira only and branded sports kits.
The 1st runner-up will receive a cash prize of 100, 000 Naira only and the 2nd Runner-up will get 50, 000 Naira only.
Other participating teams will receive 10, 000 Naira each.
ENM: In areas of talent hunt for professional career in footballing, is this platform inviting football stakeholders to partake?
Prince Odianonsen: Yes, we will be happy to partner with individuals/corporate organizations with genuine interests.
ENM: Is the competition opened for all teams across Esan land or restricted to some communities.
Prince Odianonsen: For now the competition is openned to football teams in Uromi and we are planning to expand across the entire Esan land in coming years. It’s not restricted but rather we want to evolve gradually.
ENM: What are your plans for continuity and development of the tournament after this?
Prince Odianonsen: By God’s grace this tournament will be a biennial event and with constant improvements.
ENM: Do you have ambition to go for political appointment in the nearest future?
Prince Odianosen: Though I am a member of a political party, what is most important to me now is to make a difference in my community through selfless service.
ENM: What can we do to promote sports in Esanland?
Prince Odianosen: We have to encourage sporting activities/competitions in our schools/communities and educate the young ones of the benefits of sports and opportunities that comes with it . I still remember those days when inter house sports in schools were huge and attracted large number of spectators and this really motivated participants to do better and develop their skills .
ENM: Who are your partners in this project?
Prince Odianosen: Some of our sponsors are League of Xtraordinary gamers (a South Africa based company who are into fantasy football and other sports), Advik Engine oil, Fifteen24 Global services, KD Vertex Multinational, Band of Riders, Ferncrest Hospitals, Club Sovereign and Lounge (Sponsor of the winning cash prize)
ENM: What message do you have for Esan Youths concerning sports?
Prince Odianosen: Sports aside being entertaining also provides career opportunities and in view of this, I encourage the Youths of our dear land to participate actively in sports for their well-being, source of entertainment and sporting opportunities.
ENM: Thank you and God bless you.
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