By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
It was a show of skill and talent at the Abraham Ordia Stadium University of Calabar (Unical) at the weekend, during the football match between Nelson Mandela FC vs Etim Edem Traders’ Welfare Asso FC.
The game ended in favor of Etim Edem FC as the defeated their opponents with 1-0.
Recalled that every year, Igbo Community Youths, Cross River state, competes over the Eze Igbo Cup, donated by HRH, Eze Emmanuel A. Ezenwenyi (KSM), the Eze Igbo Cross River State.
The grand finale was ably sponsored by Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Southern Senatorial district and Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC.
The one month period of football league activities featured eight teams which rounded up on Sunday 24th November 2024.
Speaking, the representative of HRH, Eze E A Ezenwenyi (KSM) the Eze Igbo Cross River State ( parent body), Onowu, Livinus Ihezie (KSM) while handing over the giant trophy to the winner, talked about the unifying nature of sports, most especially football.
According to him, ‘a lot of talent/professionals have been harnessed or discovered from leagues of this nature, not only in Cross River state but across the entire nation”.
Onuwu, praised the Youth leaders for the quality organization of the league this year and urge them not to relent.
He specifically applauded the Cross River State governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his friendly disposition and for turning around the fortunes of the state in a very short while.
Also, he reassured government of Igbo support at all times as long as the do their business here in Cross River state.
Earlier, the Igbo Youths President Engr. Obinna Nzeadigo, had decorated Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State with a medal as a sign of recognition and appreciation.
The special Adviser to the Governor on Non Indigenes Affairs Mazi Okey Maduekwe, had praised the government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for inclusivity and enabling environment offered to the Non Indigenes to operate in the state.
He remarked that many people have achieved their dreams both in sports and other endeavors here in Cross River State, via the support from the state government as well as other sports philanthropist.
Maduekwe, specifically mentioned the reigning All African games Gold mentalist Ifeanyi Onyekwere as one good example.
In his remarks, Engr.Nzeadigo the Igbo Youths President lauded Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for all his support both financial and otherwise towards the organization of all the activities especially the football tournament.
Also, he extended his gratitude to other sponsors including Okenwa Dr.IK Ukwe of HUGIS Hospitality Concerns, ZERO Arena Municipality Garden, Eze Igbo Cross River State and Igbo Community.
He however promised that 2025 will be better than what we saw this year.
The Hon Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon Ijom Ukam commended the Igbo resilience and industry.
He encouraged the youths to be hardworking and united in all their endeavors and shun evil vices capable of tarnishing their hard earned names in future.
Igbo Youths 2024 End of the Year activities rounded up with much accolades to His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his administration.
The Night Hangout at Municipality Garden paraded many guests including the Hon Commissioner for Youths Development, Chairman National Council of Youths Society, and lots of business promoters,
