The Monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, HRM, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, has commended the Founder of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, late Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin for his good deeds, not only in Issele-Uku, but in many areas within Edo and Delta States.
The highly revered traditional rule, gave the commendation on Sunday, November 21st, at the finals of a football tournament organized by Young Soccer Foundation in honour of the late Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin.
The football tournament final, which was between Pxel Global Football Club of Issele-Uku and SLK United Football Club of Issele-Uku, was played at the Ogbeutu Primary School field, Issele-Uku.
It was witnessed by the Moderator and Spiritual Head of the Pilgrim Baptist Association, Rev. Moses Ekene Okolie who led other officials of the Pilgrim Association to the event.
Obi Nduka called on sons and daughters of Aniocha North and Delta State in general, to emulate the virtues of the late founder and Spiritual Leader of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, saying that his good deeds and legacies have remained indelible.
He commended the Young Soccer Foundation, led by Mr. Nathan Ekene Ndugbu, for immortalising the name of the late Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin, by putting together a football tournament in his honour, even as he prayed that their name and the names of others who have been adding value to the society will never be diminished, but will continue to resonate for good deeds.
The renowned and youthful monarch, later displayed some unique football artistry while taking the customary ceremonial kick-off for the final match of the football tournament to the admiration of the massive crowd of football fans who were at the event.
Obi Nduka also showcased his love for the leather game as he stayed throughout the duration of the match, that saw SLK United football Club of Issele-Uku, demolishing Pxcel Global football Club of Issele-Uku by two goals to nothing.
While presenting the Cup and cash prizes to the Winners of the tournament, Obi Nduka commended the energetic display and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the two teams and said that in football and other sporting event, a winner has to emerge.
He promised to meet with members of young Soccer Foundation at a later date with a view to hosting them and strategizing for the next tournament.
Earlier, the Moderator Pilgrim Baptist Association, Rev. Moses Ekene Okolie, had appreciated the Royal Father for being a critical factor in immortalising the name of the Founder of the Pilgrim Baptist mission, the late Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin, noting that his love for the work of the late Spiritual leader of the Pilgrim Baptist mission has been uncommon and exemplary, even as he commended him for being an encourager of those who are presently carrying on with the work left behind by the late Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin.
Rev. Okolie also lauded the Young Soccer Foundation for the honour done to the name of the late founder of the Pilgrim Baptist mission, saying that their action was a way of showing gratitude and honour to a Man that gave all to the society.
“I am appreciating the Young Soccer Foundation for the honour done to the name of our father and Founder, late Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin and to let you know that by extension, you have succeeded in honouring the Pilgrim Baptist Mission/Association, His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Issele-Uku and indeed the entire people of Issele-Uku,” Rev. Okolie said.
He then prayed for them and said that next year’s tournament will be bigger and better.
Over fourteen football Clubs registered and participated in the Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin Memorial Football tournament, which was played within a period of three weeks.
