The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended the Chairman of Esthington Group, Engr. Darlington Ugota, for sponsoring the Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup Tournament. He described the initiative as a powerful platform for fostering peace, unity, and youth development across Ezza land.
Governor Nwifuru gave the commendation during the grand finale of the tournament, held at the Onueke Township Stadium in Ezza South Local Government Area.
Represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, the Governor expressed his deep affection for the Ezza people and urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of harmony.
He emphasized that lasting peace requires sacrifice, noting that he would continue to stand as a dedicated partner to the Ezza Nation so long as the spirit of unity is sustained.
To encourage the sponsor and ensure the tournament’s continuity, the Governor made a financial donation to the cause. He charged Engr. Ugota to sustain the competition, stressing that it has become a veritable tool for strengthening brotherhood among the Ezza clan.
The final match, contested between Warriors Football Club of Ekka Community and Alioma Community, ended in a tense penalty shootout, with Warriors FC of Ekka emerging as the champions.
The prize structure was announced as follows: 1st Position (Warriors FC of Ekka): ₦2,500,000, 2nd Position (Alioma Community): ₦1,500,000, 3rd Position (Ameka Football Club): ₦1,000,000.
An additional sum of ₦6,600,000 will be shared among other participating teams, as determined by the tournament organizers.
Earlier, the sponsor, Engr. Darlington Ugota, noted that the Governor’s peace initiatives served as the primary inspiration for the tournament.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Awoke, and Rt. Hon. Joseph Nwobasi, who both lauded the initiative.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, maintained that the primary goal of achieving peace had been met.
“It is already a standard that December 27th is the day set aside for the opening match of the Ezza Unity Cup to consolidate the good works of the Governor of Ebonyi State,” Nworie stated. “I urge the youths to emulate what is happening here.
“The person sponsoring this is a youth, and I am happy that a youth is leading this in Ezza land. Every youth should emulate Chief Darlington Ugota so that Ezza will move forward.”
The event attracted a massive gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, women and youth groups from across the state.
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