Okwuta Unity Football competition, a competition geared towards raising talented stars and building peace and unity in Okwuta-Ibeku clan, Umuahia North L.G.A, of Abia State, has been kicked off on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.
The competition which will see teams from the six villages compete for honours in the four-week football fiesta, with the winner going home with a giant trophy and other prizes, saw Umundere FC versus Ege/Osioma FC played out a 1:1 draw, shortly after it was kicked off by a reselient and passionate supporter/sponsor of the yearly event Sir, Ekele Ochiabuto (Clef) at Okwuta Community Primary School field.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government, Hon. Okechukwu Anthony Amah, emphasized that football is and has been a key factor that can take any youth who wishes to go far further.
Hon. Amah, who thanked Sir Ekele Ochiabuto for his doggedness and consistency, also thanked the youths and community for organising such event yearly.
Amah who also went further to call on the youths to always support the government of Alex Otti in his quest to change the face of Abia, advised the community to be patient with the government, as the future is still bright.
While encouraging the youths to embrace peace and unity through the tournament, the Deputy Mayor further pledged to partner with the sponsor of the yearly events in subsequent ones; just as he also made a pledge to support the predict and win.
Also in his speech, the Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Austin Meregini (Ugolee) who was ably represented by Hon. Ugochukwu Okezie promised to always show his support for the yearly event.
He encouraged the youths to play the game as brothers and not as enemies.
Speaking briefly also, the Member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, Honourable Anthony Chinasa, who enjoined the teams to focus on been the best, further promised to be fully present during the final game.
Kicking off the tournament earlier, the major sponsor Sir Ekele Ochiabuto, urged the Federal Government to use sports to promote friendliness amongst multi-ethnic, Nigerians who have different religious and political affiliations.
Sir Ochiabuto, who described sports as a unifier, reaffirmed his support towards the youths’ annual event and also said that nothing would dissuade him from continuing in the service because he sees it as a privilege and honour to serve.
He also went further to call on the youths to eschew violence and embrace the theme of the competition which focuses on unity.
Also, he promised to take the league to a higher level by getting other key players in the game involved.
This he said will help to revolutionalise the game to an enviable heights
