The median edition of the Aniocha North Chairman’s Football Cup Fiesta has been declared open in style.
Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon Emma Bazim Chinye, declared open the tournament on Friday, December 6, 2024 in an impressive ceremony held at the Omado Primary School Field, Issele-Uku.
Hon Chinye, accompanied by the Wife, Mrs Tina Chinye, the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Engr Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, PhD, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Raphael Uzor and other notable personalities, also performed the ceremonial kicked off the ball, to signal the former commencement of the football competition.
The football teams, participating in the fiesta, representing the 18 communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area and the Football Cups in contention were gallantly showcased at the ceremony.
In his address, Hon Emma Chinye expressed overwhelming joy over the commencement of the Football Cup Fiesta and said it was the realization of his election campaign promises to the Youths of the area.
“It is a yearly football tournament we instituted when we came in about four Months ago, to be played among the 18 Communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
“The football tournament is indeed a component of our MORE G.A.I.N.S. Mantra where we promised to bring about notable Youth Development initiatives and Empowerment through the promotion of intercommunity Sports competitions. It gives me great satisfaction that today, as a responsible Government, we are walking the talk.
“Apart from the peace, unity, togetherness and entertainment value of sporting activities such as football tournaments, we cannot overemphasize the place of Sports development in the empowerment of our teeming youths.
“It is to this end, that we made it a deliberate policy of the Local Government, to use this annual football competition to hunt for five young talents, between the ages of 17 and 22 in the game of football, who will be sponsored yearly to Germany, with a view to pursuing a career in professional football.
“This is a youth empowerment Programme of the Local Government in partnership with our foreign partners, SuS Rünthe 08. Ev., an International Football Academy, based in Germany, ” Hon. Chinye said.
The Council boss revealed that the 1st Place winner of the tournament would go home at the end of the tournament on the 22nd of December with a cash prize of five million Naira (N5, 000, 000) while the 2nd place and third place winners would be given Two Million Naira (N2,000, 000) and One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000) respectively.
“Our Youths remain a critical component of our future and an Investment in Youth Development is building for a formidable future. Hence, our administration will remain relentless in our resolve and commitment in Youth Development.
“Therefore, as we kick off this year’s Chairman’s Cup, today, I urge the various teams to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence throughout the period of this competition. We cannot achieve anything in an atmosphere of rancour, rather peace and tranquility is veritable for success to be accomplished.
“Let me again, admonish the players, against the use of enhancement drugs or any form of substance, geared towards enhancement of your performance throughout the period of the tournament. God has endowed us with natural stamina and skills and the match officials are out to identify these natural endowments, as major attributes for the talent hunt in this competition,”
While commending the Local Organizing Committee headed by Hon Richard Anonyei for the impressive planning of the sporting event, Hon Chinye charged match officials to be fair, transparent and impartial in their judgements, even as he warned against favoritism and nepotism.
Hon Emma Chinye appreciated, illustrious Sons of Aniocha North, particularly, Mr. Jude Monye, Hon. Paul Osaji, Mr. Chuks Ojei, Comrade Emmanuel Edozie and Mosrea Energy Coal Company, Ugboba who he noted have decided to be part of the football tournament.
“Your keying into our programmes and activities is an attestation of your believe and endorsement of our actions,” the Executive Chairman said and assured that his administration would remain resolute in their determination to rebuild Aniocha North for MORE GAINS.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Hon. Richard Anonyei commended the Institution of the Annual Chairman’s Football Cup by the Chinye led administration in the Local Government and said all machinery had been put in place for the success of the median edition of the Aniocha North Chairman’s Football Cup Competition.
Also at the opening ceremony include; Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Hon Dr Jaunty Okwudi, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Dr. Charles Ochei, Dr. Chuks Nwaebuni, Hon. Chuks Ojei, Hon. Engr Fidel Onwodi, Hon. Junior Dibia, High Comrade Ziko Okwudi, Chief Mrs Dorothy Udeh, members of the Local Government Legislative Arm and the full complement of the Local Government Executive Council amongst others.
In the opening match for the tournament, played at the ceremony, Onicha-Olona defeated Idumuje-Unor Team with 2 goals to nothing.
