By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
In a bid to promote unity and minimize youth restiveness, the member representing Abakaliki North in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwoke, has unveiled the 2025 Urban Unity Cup football competition.
The competition, tagged “Defend FON Urban Unity Cup,” will feature traders and artisans from various markets across Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Hon. Nwoke stated that the tournament serves as an appreciation to the urban youth for their massive support during his election in the 2023 general elections. He emphasized that beyond fostering unity, the initiative is aimed at combating youth restiveness, curbing drug abuse, and harnessing the potentials of Ebonyi youths.
As the House Committee Chairman on Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Nwoke further noted that the tournament is a strategic platform to mobilize young people and other demographics in support of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the governor’s outstanding leadership, especially among urban residents.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Idike, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Comrade Hillary Obiesie, commended the lawmaker for sponsoring the competition. He described sports as a vital tool for youth empowerment and assured the ministry’s partnership for the tournament’s success.
Similarly, the Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, highlighted the importance of sports in youth development. He applauded Hon. Nwoke for initiating the competition and suggested that it should become an annual event due to its wide-reaching impact on urban residents.
The Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee and Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Hon. Pius Nwankwo, encouraged participating teams to demonstrate sportsmanship and prepare adequately for the tournament.
Expressing appreciation, the Chairman of Abakaliki Motor Mechanic Site, Mr. Fidelis Ukwa, thanked Hon. Nwoke for reigniting the spirit of sportsmanship among traders and artisans. He assured that the motor mechanics would participate optimally, with hopes of clinching the trophy.
The event climaxed with the official unveiling of the tournament’s trophy and jerseys for the participating teams, signaling the commencement of preparations for the much-anticipated competition.