The Chief Executive Officer of H.H. Luxury Hotels and Apartments, Omoku, Mr. Chimuenya Henry Umejuru, has called on youths in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to take inspiration from the exceptional performance of Mr. Stanley Nwabali, the current goalkeeper of the Super Eagles, in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.
Umejuru, who gave the charge during the commencement of the H.H. Unity Cup football tournament for eight families of Idu Ogba Community last Friday, emphasized that ONELGA possesses an abundance of talented footballers, akin to Nwabali, waiting to be discovered and groomed for national representation.
“I am confident that we have many Stanley Nwabalis in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. They just need to be identified, and the sky will be their limit,” he remarked, urging the youth not to lose sight of their dreams.
Umejuru encouraged them to persist in their pursuits, work diligently, and ignore discouragement from naysayers. He emphasized the importance of trusting in God to achieve success in life.
Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru who was the special guest of honor, expressed satisfaction at the prospect of renewed unity between the two brotherly communities through their participation in the football tournament. He commended the donor of the cup and urged other community members to follow suit.
The Commissioner contributed to the tournament by providing cash donations to the participating teams and additional incentives for the match officials, even as he pledged to co-sponsor the tournament in the next edition.
The Ochioha of Ohiauga Community, HRH, Ambassador Bright Abali, also spoke positively about the H.H. Unity Cup, expressing delight that it would bring lasting peace and tranquility to Idu Ogba community.
Abali noted that the community, previously known for youth restiveness, has experienced a positive transformation through initiatives like the football tournament.
Similarly, Businessman Jumbo Pocket took the crowd by storm with handsome cash donations to lift the spirit of the competition.
A captivating opening match between Umuezeali Family of Idu-Obosiukwu and Osuwa Lakata Family of Idu-Osobile resulted in a 4-0 victory for the former. Goals by Richman, Osuwa, Comson, and an own goal by a Lakata defender marked Umuezeali’s promising start in the tournament, scheduled to conclude on January 26, 2024.
The event featured musical performances by Mr. 2k, Swixmaintainmaintain, Mmlt Chukwuladi, Nwa Ebor, Zubby D Nwabrije, Hutton U. Hutton and Comedian Evans Ikeagu, during the interval, adding to the overall excitement for spectators.