BY MICHAEL IKEOGWU/UTE-OKPU
THE 2024 Edition of Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem Football Competition, for the federating quarters in Ute-Okpu Kingdom, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, kicked-off in grand style with Ibiegwa Quarters defeating Ogbe Quarters by two (2) unreplied goals.
The kick-off ceremony held at the Ute-Okpu Grammar School football pitch which is the permanent venue for the over a decade long football competition saw a mammoth crowd of football fans and enthusiast from all over Delta State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony before taking the official kick to signal the commencement of the game, the sole sponsor of the competition, Dr. Obioma Hilary Ibegbulem, expressed gratitude to God for making this years competition a reality.
Represented by Mr. Endurance Azobu Senior Special Assistant (Political) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Dr. Ibegbulem, emphasized on the need for the participants to exhibit high level of understanding and wear the garment of sportsmanship throughout the period the game will last.
Reminding the teams of the purpose of the annual football competition, the former Principal Secretary to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator IfeanyiOkowa, stressed the need for unity among the people of Ute-Okpu Kingdom irrespective our political divide, adding that “we were first Ute-Okpu people before politics.”
He emphasized on his resolve to continue to build on things that would continue to consolidate on the prevailing peace in his kingdom (Ute-Okpu), Ika North East, Delta State and Nigeria at large
While calling on the YOUTHS of the kingdom to remain focused and engage in activities that will promote peace in this festive period, he assured of his unwavering commitment to promoting policies and programmes that would better the lots of his people. Some who spoke at the opening ceremony including Hon. Samson Nwenearizi, Comrade Peter Ozor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State, Commended.
