By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Governor Francis Nwifuru Izzi Unuphu Unity Cup football competition has kicked off at the Nkaliki Primary School, Abakaliki.
Four villages of Izzi Unuphu community namely Nkaliki, Agbaja Unuphu, and Inyimegu are taking part in the competition sponsored by the Ebonyi state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Stanley Mbam.
At the end of the 3 -week football fiesta, the winner will be going home with a trophy while others will receive various prizes.
Echara village played out a draw with Nkaliki in the opening game on Tuesday which was kicked off by the Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Stephen Ebere Nwogba
The sponsor Mbam, told journalists that the competition is geared towards raising talented stars and building peace and unity in the Izzi unuphu community.
“This is in line with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s people’s Charter of Needs agenda in the state especially on sports and youth development.
“It is also geared towards galvanizing support for Nwifuru’s administration in the state.
“I therefore call on youths and stakeholders to always support the Nwifuru”s administration in his quest to change the narrative of the state”.
The commissioner who described sports as a unifier, encouraged youths to embrace peace and unity through the competition.
“You should compete as brothers and not enemies as I was moved t7o sponsor the competition because it alligns with the charter of needs mantra.
“I deemed it necessary because my people have been lacking of such need for long and I felt organising it during the festive period will be ideal.
“It is aimed at reconnecting our youths with bonds of unity and create effective representatives in our constituency.
He noted that the competition would chiefly serve as a talent hunt and from the match we watched, it is clear that abundant talents would be tapped.
“We would be looking at the sponsorship from the government for deserving players in the interest of the state.
“The youths should comport themselves, hope and believe in their abilities while being more committed,”
Mban thanked the organizing committee for putting up a very colorful opening ceremony while charging them to ensure that only the best players were selected.
The Chairman of the organising committee, Stanley Onele, thanked the sponsor for finding him and his team, worthy of organising the competition.
“We would not let you and the community down but ensure that the competition achieves its set objectives,”
