Bayelsa United has inked a front-of-shirt sponsorship with Halkin Exploration and Production Limited to join clubs with such sponsorship in the NPFL.
The call by Bayelsa State Executive Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to corporate organizations 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 to reduce 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 is open to local as well as international investors”, MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited, the Sports Marketing Consultants that facilitated the sponsorship, said in a statement on Monday.
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 & gas industry, sealed a one-year renewal deal with the club.
Bayelsa United: New Sponsor, New Form
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 were on a two-match winless run at home after sharing points with Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors in previous matches before the sponsorship was sealed.
Before Sunday’s kick-off, Club Chairman Timitimi Ebiki and Halkin’s GM Operations and Production, Engr. Lawrence Ayebatonye unveiled the team’s new jersey.
Meanwhile, Rangers goalkeeper Japhet Opubo parried a 44th-minute freekick by Mizo, the league joint top scorer, but Kehinde Lawal was alert to put the ball in the net for Bayelsa’s opener.
However, Ekeson Okorie stepped up in the 78th minute with the second goal after connecting with Kehinde’s assist to send the home fans into ecstasy.
Furthermore, MatchRoom Sports and Media Limited revealed that Halkin has several initiatives to encourage the players and ensure Bayelsa United represents the state well this season.