The Management of Imo Palm plantation managed by Roche Agric in Ohaji, Imo State in collaboration with Ohaji/Egbema/Agwa Youth Council kick started a youth football tournament for the youth landlords, otherwise known as youths of the catchment areas of the establishment.
In his address at the opening ceremony of the competition which took place on the 19th of April, 2014 at Imo Palm play ground, Comrade Thomas Ozuomee Ekeh (Tommy), the National President of Ohaji/Egbema/Agwa Youth Council expressed gratitude to the management of Roche Imo Palm, for the reality of the day.
Comrade Ekeh was of the view that his knowledge of sports (football) as a panacea for peace, love, unity and development prompted him to embark on the project since last year, which has now provided am ample opportunity for youths of the catchment areas to showcase their skills in the area of football, believing that a formidable team will be established at the end of the tournament which he tagged “Ohaji/Egbema/Agwa Youths Football Hunt”.
Tommy as he is fondly called enjoined the management of Roche to continue to create a favourable ground that will enhance internal cooperation between them and the host communities, for a harmonious co-existence, urging players to play safe and say no to any act of violence that may jeopardize the success of the event.
In his remarks, the special guest of honour at the event, Hon. Louis Obodo, the Transition Committee chairman of Oguta LGA, Imo State reiterated on the cultural and social relationship that exists between the catchment zones of Ohaji, Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Agwa in Oguta LGA, both of Imo State and urged the players to show commitment to the game, pointing out that the game of football is now providing food on the table of so many Nigerians.
He promised that the team that would be raised at the end of the tournament will make appearance at the incoming Transition Committee (TC) tournament that will be held in the state), soon.
Speaking shortly after kicking the football to commence the opening match between Roche Imo Palm team and Ohuba FC, Hon. Luke Chukwu, member representing Ohaji/Egbema at the State House of Assembly, advised the youthful players to approach the game with all seriousness, and promised to support players that will be discovered at the end of the competition to get to their destined expectations.
While Mr. Jude Ohia, the General Manger of Roche Imo Palm, disclosed that the game which is coming up for the very first time will be an annual event that will continue to keep the youth council and the management of Roche very close.
Mr. Ohia further stated that there will be prizes for the overall winners and other consolation prizes at different categories at the end of the tournament and called on the players to take advantage of the tournament to display their God-given talents.
In the same vein, the pioneer president of the youth council and BOT chairman of Ohaji/Egbema/Agwa Youth Council, Hon. Vitalis Jackponna, commended His Excellency, Chief Anayo Owelle Rochas Okorocha on his decision to handover Imo Palm to Roche Agric which according to him has brought about the dividend that the youths are now reaping.
He further commended Imo Palm under the management of Mr. Jude Ohia for the good work that he has started doing in the establishment and enjoined the players to borrow a leaf from Kelechi Iheanacho, the under 17 player, who hail from Ohaji, Imo State and lauded the initiative of Comrade Thomas Ekeh (Tommy) for his resolve to change the fortune of the youths council.
Responding, Hon. Gideon Mefor expressed gratitude to the kick-off of the tournament that gave victory to Ohuba FC at the end of the day, while commending Imo Palm for their good gesture.
Some of the personalities that graced the occasion include: Mr. Joseph Ohiri, campaign manager to Comrade Thomas Ekeh during the last youth council election, High Chief Kerian Ojiaku, (Gburi-Aku 1 of Achina), Mr. Alamezie Udensi, BOT Member, amongst others.
The game ended 5-0 in favour of Ohuba FC and 1-0 in favour of Umuiheoma Umukpo against another team from Egbema in a subsequent match that was played at Alaoma Primary School field, Mgba Agwa etc. ###
Blaise Elumezie
previous post
next post
