2021 Izzi football competition gets underway with Speaker Nwifuru as sponsor

 
By Leo Ekene Oketa

The Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly - Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, believes that Sports Development is key for the quality growth of the youths, and rightly so,  year in, year out, he dishes out programmes to cement the unity of Izzi clan and for the year running 2021, he has once more turned to development of sporting activities as a huge element to help improve the lives of his people. 

In a bid to achieve this, Speaker Nwifuru, yesterday, Sunday February 7, 2021, kicked off the 2021 Izzi Football Competition organised by Izzi Football Association (IFA) under his unassuming sponsorship. It is the latest edition of the Izzi football league that captures competing teams from the 13 Development Centres of Izzi clan.

It is not in doubt, that there are very many values to be gained from sporting activities especially among the youths, which by extension serves the interest of our society. Unity, healthy competition, physical fitness, relaxation of the mind and dispelling of idleness, all feature as fruits of sports amidst others. 

Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru noted, that for him, it is one of his modest ways of showing his love for his people and to prove again, against all doubts that Izzi clan is ever united in every sense of the word. He urged the competing teams and coaches to show professionalism throughout the tournament and wished them all the very best. 

Responding in gratitude to God for the gift of Speaker Nwifuru to his people, the Chairman of the kickoff opening ceremony - Chief Mathias Adum, praised the sponsor’s forthrightness in all his dealings and his loving disposition of improving the lives of his people. He urged Chief Nwifuru to never relent in representing Izzi people effectively, as that will continue to further develop the clan. 

The opening match of the kickoff ceremony featured an entertaining game of football between Abakaliki DC and Ebyia DC, ending in a 0-0 stalemate, at Izzi Nnodo Cultural Centre, Amegu Football Field, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Very notable dignitaries and groups who graced the ceremony included, Former Minister - Chief Godwin Ogbaga, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, the Leader of Ebonyi State House of Assembly - Hon. Victor Uzoma Chukwu (Ezza North West), Hon. Anthony Onyibe Nwegede (Izzi East), Hon. Christian Usulor (Ezza South), Hon. Joseph Ununu (Abakaliki South), Hon. Chidi Emerole Ejem (Afikpo South East) and Hon. Barr. Linus Friday Nwuhuo (Ezza North West). 

Others are, Executive Chairmen of Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Councils - Hon. Paul James Nwogha and Hon. Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga, respectively; Honourable Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the Governor from Izzi clan; Members of Boards and Commissions in Ebonyi State from the clan; Onwa Oferekpe Foundation led by the Chairman - Chief Kenneth Nwovu and Secretary - Chief Okechukwu Nwokoro, and other Izzi stakeholders

Recall that the opening match on Sunday, which was between Abakaliki DC and Ebyia DC ended 0-0, at Izzi Nnodo Cultural Centre, Amegu Football Field and it was hugely entertaining. 

 Leo Ekene Oketa is the Chief Press Secretary to the Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly.