By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Stakeholders from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone have commended the Senator representing the zone, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, for flagging off the Ohamadike Super League 2025, describing the initiative as a major boost to youth development and unity.
The colourful flag-off ceremony, held on Sunday at Mbeke, Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area, attracted sons and daughters of the senatorial district from far and near.
Flagging off the competition, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Richard Idike, praised the senator for sustaining and expanding the initiative.
According to Idike, the senator had previously organised similar competitions but has now upgraded it to cover the entire senatorial zone.
“This is not the first time he is doing this; he has only upgraded it to cover the whole zone. He has done well. You can see how well-kitted the players are. This is the first time in the history of Ebonyi North that a senator is organising this kind of competition. Football is a platform that brings youths together, and you can see the joy on the faces of the people,” he said.
He also commended the quality of play, hinting that some outstanding players could be considered for higher-level opportunities in subsequent seasons.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Hon. Franklin Chukwuma Nwovu, Cordinator Mbeke development center noted that the Ohamadike Super League is exclusively for Ebonyi North, comprising the four local government areas that make up the zone.
“Today, we are flagging off the Ohamadike Super League 2025, organised by my boss, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi. This competition is not just for entertainment but to promote unity among our people, as football is a unifying factor,” he stated.
He announced that the prize money for the competition stands at ₦5 million for the winner, ₦3 million for second position, and ₦2 million for third position.
Hon. Franklin further described Senator Nwebonyi as a proactive and visionary leader, noting that he consistently attracts development projects and empowerment programmes to the zone.
“He is a sagacious and intelligent leader. Every three months, he rolls out empowerment programmes, with a significant percentage targeted at the youths. We appreciate him and also commend the governor for ongoing road construction across the zone,” he added.
Unveiling the competition trophy, former Minister of Steel, Chief Goddy Ogbaga, applauded the senator for the initiative, describing it as a symbol of humility, hard work and commitment to youth empowerment.
“The players have distinguished themselves, and the local governments have shown their strength. This cup means a lot to us. Not everyone will win, but those who lose should improve gallantly. I am honoured to unveil this cup and other facilities to the glory of God,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Coordinators’ Forum and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Hon. Chidi Ogbonna, said the league was designed to unite the people, discover talents and curb youth restiveness.
“When the senator shared his vision with me, I welcomed it wholeheartedly. This festive season is a time to bring everyone together. This is the first time a senator from this zone is donating a cup specifically to empower youths and keep them positively engaged,” he noted.
He added that about 60 per cent of the senator’s empowerment initiatives are youth-focused, stressing that the league was introduced to keep young people active, productive and away from social vices.
Other dignitaries at the event, including the Ebonyi DC Coordinator, Dr. Destiny Nwodom, national officials of OPM, the Senior Special Assistant on Party Mobilisation, Hon. Friday, and the President-General of Mbeke Autonomous Community, Prince Ogboso Sunday, described Senator Nwebonyi as a youth-friendly leader.
They urged beneficiaries and youths across the zone to reciprocate the gesture by remaining law-abiding and supporting their re-election campaign.
The event was well attended, with the opening match ending in a 1–0 victory for the visiting team, Izzi Local government area over the home team, Ebonyi LGA.