Excitement as 22 Anambra Communities Compete in Maiden Ifeigbo Peace Football Championship

By Praise Chinecherem

In a move to consolidate on Prof. Chukwuma soludo administration efforts in fostering peace, safety and security of ndi anambra especially within the Awka Capital Territory, the MD/CEO ACTDA – Awka Capital Territory Development Authoriy has facilitated the official kickoff of the Ifeigbo Awka Peace Cup Competition at the Awka City Township Stadium in Awka South local government area of Anambra State.

The competition which is a brain child of the ACTDA MD and proudly sponsored by Jezco Oil Nig Ltd is aimed at campaigning for peace to promote unity and understanding amongst the awka south youth for better growth and human capital development saw the Umudioka Community in Awka South Local Government Council defeat the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) side by 5-1 at the opening match of the tournament.

Speaking shortly after performing the opening ceremony, the speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze while noting the symbolic nature of the occasion stated football is the only game that unites Nigeria together.

Hon. Udeze expressed his satisfaction with Hon. Ossy Initiative in working to bring more peace in Awka by creating the right impact in the mind of the youth to sue for peace instead of war, noting that sport activities is a major unifying factor for the youths.

He pointed out that the leadership of Governor Soludo has already set the pace for any well meaning individual to follow, adding that he is pleased with what the ACTDA Boss is doing to change the face of the Awka Capital Territory. He urge Ndi Anambra to continue to support Prof Chukwuma Soludo led administration to succeed.

Also speaking, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) , Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye described the competition as a well development and stated that Hon. Ossy Onuko is using the football competition to mobilize youths for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo inorder to dissuade them from crimes and criminalities.

He affirmed that Hon. Onuko has indeed proven his mettle as a grassroots mobiliser as well as a crusader determined to ensure that Awka youths rediscover themselves and chart a new cause for themselves devoid of vices inimical and detrimental to their dreams and aspirations.

Lending his voice, the Awka South transition committee chairman, Hon. Thankgod Anagor stated that the move by Hon. Onuko is line with Governor Soludo’s monumental strikes in youth engagement strategy noting that every government executive is also expected to replicate same developmental efforts as good ambassadors in their various place of duty and commended the ACTDA MD for the brilliant idea aimed at curtailing social vices in the town and working assiduously to help reclaim the glory of Awka.

In his remarks, the MD/CEO Awka Capital Territory Development Authoriy – ACTDA, Hon. Ossy Onuko stated that the purpose of the competition was to enable players who are youths to exhibit their talents and keep themselves busy till the end of the year.

He emphasized that the governor is passionate about developing the Awka Capital to a great City and noted that such good plans may not happen under insecurity and cultism, reiterating the need for youths to shun social vices in the town,

Hon. Onuko pointed out that the competition is particularly organized to tell the world that Awka is secured, peaceful and save and call on everyone to support the Prof Chukwuma Soludo led administration to succeed.

Other notable dignitaries who graced the occassion includes the Deputy Speaker of the State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye. Chairman, Anambra State Sports Commission – Patrick Estate, MD ASWAMA, Mr. Mike Ozoemena, MD Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Fred Agbata and Chairman Urban Regeneration Council, Arch. Mike Okonkwo.

Others are Former Speaker of State House Of Assembly and SPAD to Governor Soludo on Legislature matters, Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe, Ichele Awka. Member Representing Awka One Constituency Hon. Nigeria Mbachu, Former PDP State House of Assembly Aspirant, Hon Uche Collins. Anambra State Jezco Oil Nig Ltd Top Management Executives, amongst others.

Special dislay by the solution ambassador’s band group and the cultural group spiced up the ceremony.