It was an atmosphere of Unity and Love unspeakable on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 in Aniocha North Local Government Area as the maiden edition of the Aniocha North Chairman’s Football Cup Competition came to an impressive end.
The closing Ceremony, held at the Iyiogbe Primary School Field, Onicha-Olona, saw the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon Emma Bazim Chinye gathering Ndi Aniocha North, Home and Abroad, in Unity and Love to witness the finals of the football tournament played between Issele-Uku and Issele-Asagba in an engaging and simulating encounter.
Amongst personalities that witnessed the event included; the wife of the Executive Chairman, Mrs Tina Chinye and the entire family, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Clara Nneka Dibia, Chief Benjamin Elue, HRM, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechei,Major General Raymond Ochei, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Hon. Engr Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, PhD.
Hon. Dr. Jaunty Okwudi, Chief Dan Okenye, Chief Cal Nwawolo, Mr. Nnamdi Okwuofu, Prince Ibe Ozoma, Chief Mrs Dorothy Udeh, Chief Alphonsus Ojiodu, Mr Didi, Mr. Paul Nmah, Mr Peter Rufai, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Comrade Ziko Okwudi, Prince Uzoma Idagbo, Mrs Oge Kimono, and Comrade Emmanuel Edozie were also among dignitaries that witnessed the closing ceremony of the football tournament.
At the end of the finals, coordinated by the central referee, Dr. Emmanuel Okonta, Issele-Asagba defeated Issele-Uku, by two goals to one to emerge Champions of the Maiden Edition of the Aniocha North Chairman’s Football Cup Competition.
Onicha-Olona earlier at the third place match beat Issele-Mkpitime to appear third place winner of the competition.
In his address at the final, the Council boss, Hon Emma Chinye who was visibly elated, emphasised the place of Sports in bringing People together in love and unity.
He said the 2024 Aniocha North Chairman’s Football Cup Competition which he noted followed established international standards, succeeded in bringing the entire people of the area together.
“It gladdens my heart that as a government, we have been able to achieve one of the cardinal objections of this Annual Football Tournament; which is bringing together, not only the Youths from the various Communities, but the whole of Ndi Aniocha North, both home and abroad, in Love and Unity, through the instrumentality of Sports.
“This tournament followed internationally established standards, which started from the group stages, through to the quarter final, Semi final and the Third Place Match. Today we have gathered to witness the final of this thrilling and stimulating football tournament,” he said.
While saying that apart from a few negative occurrences recorded during one of the stages in which actions were immediately taken as a deterrent to avert future occurrences, Hon Chinye maintained that the Tournament was highly successful and well coordinated.
He assured that the second edition would be an improvement on the maiden edition.
The Executive Chairman appreciated God for how far He has led His administration, not only throughout the duration of the tournament, but in all programmes and actions of the administration since its inception, even as he gave God the credit for making it possible for them to remained unwavering in their commitments towards “the translation of the vision to Rebuild Aniocha North into action, for MORE GAINS of Ndi Aniocha North.”
He said, “In a few weeks’ time, we will be having the honor of inviting you all for the commissioning of some of our legacy projects across the various communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
“We are determined, focused and relentless in all our efforts and I hereby restate our solemn pledge, not to fail or disappoint the good people of Aniocha North.
“I am very pleased, to say that the critical aspect of this tournament, is the ultimate search for FIVE YOUNG TALENTS in the field of football. For about 19 days, the search has been on quietly by the search party all through the period of the competition.”
He disclosed that Saturday, 28th December has been picked for the best of the best 22 players, to finally display their talents and the Scouting and Technical Committee would thereafter pick the BEST FIVE.
“By the Grace of God, we are also going to be witnesses to their departure for Germany, just as we have promised, to sponsor them, to pursue careers in professional football under the tutelage of our foreign partners, SUS Runthe, a renowned football Academy, based in Germany.”
The Council boss, commended the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the Tournament, Hon Richard Anonyei, members of the Committee, Match Officials and the 16 Football Teams that represented all the communities in Aniocha North, saying that they have all done well.
“You have all shown capacity and professionalism and above all, your demonstration of Love and togetherness all through this tournament, is unique and uncommon,” he said.
Chinye also used the occasion to appreciate all those who he noted had extended their kind gestures in partnering with the present administration in Aniocha North Local Government, not only in Youth and Sports Development, but in all sectors and in all programmes
“Let me in a special way appreciate; Dr. Tony Elumelu, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechei, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Chief Ambassador Alphonsus Sunday Ojiodu, Mr Didi, Mr Jude Monye, Hon. Paul Osaji, Hon. Chuks Ojei, Comrade Emma Edozie, Nosra Energy Ltd, Frontier and Fortress Ltd and all our Leaders in our beloved Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“On behalf of Aniocha North Local Government and Ndi Aniocha North, I appreciate you all.”
Medals and Prizes were later presented to the first, second and third place winners of the competition.
The Sum of N5, 000, 000 (Five Million Naira) was presented to the first place winner, N2, 000, 000 (Two Million Naira) to the second place winner and N1, 000, 000 (One Million Naira) to the Third Place Winner.
Consolation prizes were also presented to the Highest Goal Scorer; Nwabunwanne Loise, Jersy number 15 from Onicha-Olona who scored eight goals, Best Goal keeper; Chemaroke Stanley from Issele-Mkptime, Outstanding Team of the Tournament; Obior Football Team, Outstanding Coach of the Tournament; Anamonye Felix from Ugboba, Best Player of the Tournament; Chiedu from Issele Azagba and Best Officiating Official, Mr Emmanuel Okonta.
