The Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup kicked off on Saturday at the Onueke Township Stadium, Ezza South LGA, with the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, declaring the tournament a symbol of peace and reconciliation across Ezza land and Ebonyi State. The event, sponsored by real estate investor Engr. Darlington Ugota, commenced with a symbolic match between crisis-ridden communities Abaomege and Ishinkwor, drawing massive attendance from stakeholders.
Bishop Chukwu said the competition was designed to promote peace and unity, noting that the opening fixture held special significance for both communities. “It’s a unity cup, so we are here to register our unity, to express our brotherhood and sisterhood, and to show that we’re one. All the little conflicts here and there should come to an end because we’re one,” he declared, expressing hope that the match would signal the end of years of hostility.
He added that the fixture was intentionally chosen to heal strained relationships. “A match between Abaomege and Ishinkwor, who have been locked in terrible conflicts for so many years, is very symbolic. We hope this soccer competition will signal the emergence of deep peace in the land so that there should be no further hostility between the two communities,” he said.
Beyond unity, the bishop highlighted the competition’s role in talent development, praising the sponsor for providing a platform for young players to excel. “Some of our boys here are very talented but have nobody to encourage them. Engr. Ugota has indicated that anybody who displays important skills will be encouraged to attain global stardom. You can attain greatness not just through academics or business, but also through sports,” he added.
Engr. Ugota described the 3–3 draw between Abaomege and Ishinkwor as “divine,” noting it avoided the sentiment of defeat or superiority. “Coincidentally, the two communities that played have been in crisis. By the grace of God they drew the match 3:3—such a coincidence that’s very divine. If one team won, it would be said that we have a victor and a vanquished, but in this period, everybody won, and we’re all celebrating,” he said.
He further revealed that scouts were already monitoring standout players for recruitment into his football academy, which is registered with the Nationwide League One (NLO). “We already have a football academy with junior and senior teams. Those who perform exceptionally will be enrolled free of charge and brushed up professionally. My advice to the Ezza nation is to embrace peace because where there’s peace, there’s unity,” he explained.
A spectator, business mogul Mr. Chibuike Orogwu (alias Babyoku), described the event as more than football, stating, “What we’re having here is not just a football match but to show how united we as Ezza people are. This will further strengthen peace, love, and togetherness among us.” Dignitaries in attendance included the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, past and present parliamentarians, traditional rulers, academics, members of the State Executive Council, and sports enthusiasts.
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