There was tension on Sunday afternoon, December 14, at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, following the arrival of the Chief Executive Officer of Enviable Group of Companies Nigeria Ltd, Mr Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, who visited the facility to inspect preparations for the grand finale of the ongoing Enviable State Football Fiesta.
Mr Enviable arrived at the stadium in the company of his close associate, popular socialite and businessman, Dr Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, alongside other dignitaries.
The visit attracted a large turnout of youths, estimated at over 200, who thronged the stadium with banners bearing inscriptions such as “Welcome CEO Enviable Group of Companies Nigeria Ltd,” “Enviable, we are proud of your concern for Ebonyi youths,” and “Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, a true son of the soil.”
However, the situation became tense when a team of police officers reportedly blocked the convoy of the Enviable Group and the accompanying youths from gaining access to the main bowl of the stadium. The reason for the restriction was yet to be clarified by the stadium management at the time of filing this report.
After some delay, the stadium gate was eventually opened, allowing only the convoy of vehicles to enter the main bowl, a move that helped calm the growing agitation among the youths, who had insisted that the gates be opened to avoid discouraging the billionaire entrepreneur’s youth empowerment initiative in the state.
The development prompted the arrival of key government officials, including the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Charles Idike; Chairman of the Ebonyi State Football Association, Senator Obinna Ogba; Director of Sports, Mr Emma Utobo; Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedu Onah; Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, alongside other stakeholders. The officials held an emergency meeting with Mr Enviable and his associates to resolve the impasse.
Despite the meeting, none of the officials addressed journalists afterward.
Speaking to newsmen, Dr Obinna Iyiegbu called for calm and an amicable resolution of any misunderstanding to ensure the success of the competition. He commended the state-of-the-art facilities at the stadium, describing the organisers’ involvement as a message of hope to Ebonyi youths that deserves collective support.
Investigations suggest that the tension may not be unconnected with concerns from the Ebonyi State Football Association, which reportedly felt sidelined in the organisation of the competition.
Meanwhile, the grand finale of the Enviable State Football Fiesta is scheduled for January 4, 2026. Nigerian music superstar Flavour is expected to headline the entertainment segment, alongside other top artistes, at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium.
In the semi-final fixtures, Ohaukwu Local Government Area will face Ohazara, while Ezza North will battle Onicha Local Government Area.