By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Stakeholders in Ebonyi state have applauded the initiative of a renowned real estate mogul, Engr. Dr. Darlington Ugota, as he flagged off the Esthinton Football Competition 2024, a unity cup tournament aimed at fostering talent and unity in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The tournament’s opening match, which took place between the Golden Boys of Azuebonyi Idembia and the Ezzama Net Breakers, was graced by dignitaries and community leaders. Speaking during the event, Dr. Ugota described the initiative as an investment in human capacity, emphasizing its potential to transform society.
“An investment in human beings can transform the development of the general society, and that is why we say in our own little way, we’d like to come to this format, and I’m grateful to God for making today a reality,” Ugota stated.
He further expressed optimism that the competition would uncover future stars who would represent Ebonyi State and Nigeria on national and international platforms. “We are hoping that in future, we will have superstars not just from Ezza South but Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Chief Euphemia Nwali, commended Dr. Ugota for his vision, describing the initiative as a demonstration of love and unity.
“This event is a demonstration of love and unity. With this, people will continue to progress. This is a way of harnessing the talents of our people, and we believe that before the end of this competition, we will definitely get people to sponsor further,” Nwali said.
She also urged Ebonyians living outside the state to emulate Dr. Ugota by investing in the youths, which she said would reduce crime and transform them into productive members of society.
Former PDP Chairman in Ebonyi State, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, expressed his excitement over the event, noting that it marked the first time Ezza South was coming together irrespective of political affiliations.
“I feel excited, especially about the coming together of my people. I think it’s the first time that Ezza South is coming together irrespective of political affiliation. The business class, working class, politicians, and the clergy are here working with us. I feel so excited,” he said.
As chairman of the planning committee, Nworie emphasized that the tournament would help youths become useful members of society.
Also, the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Godswill Okoro Omoke, praised Dr. Ugota’s gesture, describing it as a commendable way of giving back to the community.
“What has happened today is what the present generation should be appreciative of to Dr. Darlington. It is a way of reaching out to the people in the society. It is commendable, I commend him highly and pray that God Almighty will continue to preserve him and grant him his heart desires,” Omoke stated.
In a similar vein, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu also lauded the initiative, likening it to a talent hunt aimed at discovering players for international recognition.
“This is like a talent hunt; its goal is to identify talented players who will be encouraged to go for international teams, and we will begin to hear the names of our own boys in international soccer fiestas.
“It is a very beautiful thing, that is why I try to identify myself with this. Anybody who is trying to build up others, we will give the person maximum support, and I pray that it will lead to the harvest of talented players from our place,” the bishop said.
The Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, Senator Kenneth Eze expressed gratitude for Dr. Ugota’s initiative, highlighting football as a unifying force and a medium for discovering new talents.
He praised the tournament for offering the youth an opportunity to stay engaged and reduce societal vices. Eze assured Ugota of his continued support, stressing the importance of sustaining the competition for the benefit of Ebonyi State’s youth