Niger Governor’s Cup: Lapai GDP has increase, says LOC Chairman
The local organizing committee Chairman of the 2024 edition of Niger State Governor’s Cup, Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai has said that the Gross Domestic Product GDP of Lapai local government has increased tremendously in recent time owing to the ongoing Governor’s Cup in Lapai town.
The LOC Chairman made this disclosure on Saturday, during a media parley with sports journalists covering the Governor’s Cup in Lapai.
He said for the past 11 days Lapai town and its environs has became lively with business activities booming beyond expectation, saying the hotel accomodations were all filled up and local food vendors and other petty traders cashing.
“The whole atmosphere in Lapai has been lively for the past eleven days. Business activities has been springing up, the local businesses have been selling. You can see how people are taking advantage of the inflow of football enthusiasts to earn a living. How I wish we could extend this exercise for another two weeks so that there should be more economic activities. I want to assure the people that the GDP of Lapai for the purpose of this assembly has grown,” the LOC Chairman explained.
He also expressed satisfaction with the way the tournament was going on without any hitch, attributing it to the hospitality nature of Lapai people, adding that he had never participated in any football activity before but that the task given to him had made him found a new family in football circle.
Alhaji Makun Lapai also gave kudos to the participating teams for exhibiting the spirit of sportsmanship in the tournament so far, wishing those who have already exited better luck next time and urged those still remaining in the competition to play by the rules of the game.
He disclosed that if not for the rotational nature of hosting the Governor’s Cup they would have bidded to host the next two edition of the tournament again, saying the tournament had brought out the passion Lapai people has for the round leather game.
While appreciating the state government through the ministry of local government and chieftancy affairs for the sponsorship of the tournament, the LOC Chairman also appreciated the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), under the leadership of Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for granting Lapai the hosting right of the 2024 edition of the tournament, saying Lapai people happy with the development.
“I want to on behalf of the entire people of Lapai local government appreciate the organizers of this competition, that is the Niger State FA for this honour done to us. Lapai have never hosted it before. You can see the enthusiasm in our people, you can see how people are trooping in to come and watch match everyday. This is how happy we are,” explained the LOC Chairman.
He said the tournament which aimed at uniting the youths and unearth hidden talents amongst them, has given Lapai people a sense of belonging, adding it has been a festive moment in Lapai since the commencement of the tournament. He said they were happy and proud to be associated with the lawful assembly.
