Nando Ward Three has emerged winners by one goal to nil against Nsugbe Ward Two in a football match among the All Progressives Grand Alliance Wards in Anambra East. The competition is in support of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s youth empowerment initiative.

 

The final match of the competition which featured political party members from the fifteen wards of the council area, took place at Otuocha Township Stadium and drew a huge crowd of spectators and enthusiasts from various parts of the Council area and was kicked-off by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa.

The competition, which was aimed at fostering unity and building a strong bond among the political party and their youths, saw spirited performances from both sides, showcasing their skills, determination and commitment.

Speaking during the event, the Anambra state Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim commended the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engineer Julius Chukwuemaka for replicating Professor Soludo’s sports initiative at the grassroots and called on the youths to eschew crime and criminality and key into numerous youth development schemes of the present administration to be useful to themselves and the society at large.

In an interview with the ABS, the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Ezeokenwa said that the competition ties into the agenda of Governor Soludo and the party, and should be emulated by other government officials in the state.

 

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engineer Chukwuemeka, who sponsored the competition, expressed excitement at the turnout of the event, noting that it was important for members of APGA to come together and foster a sense of unity, even as he stressed that the aim of the event was to move beyond the often bitter and divisive politics to building a better society by focusing on shared interests, such as sports and recreation.

Also in support of the Governor’s Empowerment Programme for women, a dance competition called “Itunyaka” sponsored by the Commissioner, also featured, and the exhibitions were fiercely contested but each game ended in a friendly atmosphere, with the winners and losers exchanging pleasantries.

 

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barrister Tochukwu Nweke, Deputy Chief of Protocol to Governor Soludo, Sir Ugochukwu Obiefuna, State youth Chairman of APGA, Dr. Tochukwu Obiadi, Past President General of Anambra State Association of Town Union, Chief Alex Onukwue, among others, attended the event which featured presentation of one million naira to Nando ward three who won the football competition, four hundred thousand naira to Nsugbe ward two who came second, while Umuoba-Anam ward who took the third position went home with two hundred thousand naira.

The Winner of the “Itunyaka dance competition from Umueri went home with a brand-new motorcycle, and different consolation prizes ranging from cash to assorted gifts were given to all participants.