By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The member representing Ebonyi North East Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinyere Nwogbaga, has officially flagged off a football competition tagged “Ada eji Eje Mba Football Competition” for the seven political wards in her constituency.
The participating wards include Abakpa, New Layout, Kpirikpiri, Aboffia, Echi-Aba, Enyibuchiri Ward 1, and Enyibuchiri Ward 2.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the Nnodo Secondary School football pitch, Hon. Nwogbaga—who is a former Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area—said the competition aligns with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s agenda on youth development, especially in the area of sports.
She noted that the sponsorship is both a demonstration of her support for youth empowerment and a token of appreciation to her constituents for electing her. She emphasized that her foremost ambition is to deliver meaningful and impactful representation.
“My priority is to give Ebonyi North East a representation that will leave a legacy,” Nwogbaga said. “I urge all participating teams and their supporters to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. Every participant stands to benefit from this initiative.”
All participating teams were provided with jerseys branded with the slogan “Ada eji Eje Mba,” underscoring her grassroots-oriented vision.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Uchenna Otozi, assured that the tournament will be professionally managed. He disclosed that all matches will be played at the Nnodo Secondary School field with professional referees to ensure fair play and reduce controversy.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the former Commissioner for Lands, Architect Nwogha; President of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Comrade Andrew Chibueze; Coordinator of Ozibo Development Centre, Susan Nwogha; and Head of Personnel Management at Echi-Aba Development Centre, Prince Emeka Akputa. They commended the lawmaker for her commitment to community-driven initiatives.
The Traditional Ruler of Nkaliki Echara Unuphu and Eze Oha in Izzi Nnodo, Ezeogo Sunday Oketa; former Echi-Aba Development Centre Coordinator, Michael Nwambam; and serving House member, Hon. Abiri Godwin Abiri, also lauded the football competition, describing it as a laudable initiative that could propel talented youths into professional sports careers.
Other Assembly members in attendance included Hon. Victor Nwoke (Abakaliki North) and Hon. Esther Agwu (Ohaukwu North), popularly known as “NEPA” by her supporters.
Meanwhile, in the opening match of the competition, New Layout Ward secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Abakpa Ward.