In a major boost to sports development in Ebonyi State, a young entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, has unveiled a ₦100 million football tournament designed to engage youths across all 13 local government areas of the state.
Football — often regarded as the king of sports — remains a powerful tool for youth empowerment, especially amid the nation’s rising unemployment rate. Ebonyi, like many other states, continues to seek opportunities for its indigenous players to break into Nigeria’s national teams — both male and female — and to feature in top local and international football clubs.
Determined to change the narrative, Ituma Chukwuemeka, the Chief Executive Officer of Enviable Group of Companies Nigeria Limited, a firm specializing in transportation and logistics, initiated the competition in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs.
According to the Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Chukwuka Onwe, the winners of the upcoming tournament will take home ₦30 million, the runners-up ₦20 million, and the third-place team ₦10 million. All participating teams will also receive ₦2 million each as support.
In addition, FIFA-accredited scouts are expected to attend the event to identify and groom promising players for professional football opportunities both locally and abroad.
The kick-off ceremony is scheduled for November 16, 2025, at Practicing School, Ezzamgbo, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area — the hometown of the sponsor. The grand event is expected to draw dignitaries from all walks of life, including Governor Francis Nwifuru and renowned socialite Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana).
Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear as all 13 LGAs intensify efforts to assemble strong squads capable of clinching the top prize in this landmark competition.
Speaking on the initiative, notable sports stakeholders in the state — including former Nigeria Premier League referee Godwin Eze, state table tennis coach Victor Nweze, and sports administrator Bernard Chukwu — hailed the project as a “courageous intervention” that will bring lasting positive change to the sports sector.
They commended Ituma Chukwuemeka “De Enviable” for his vision and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate his support for Governor Nwifuru’s drive to elevate sports development in Ebonyi State.