ENCOURAGING UDOM/MOSES UNDER-20 VICTORY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

By Isonguyo Iniodu

 

MR. UDOM EMMANUEL AND MR. MOSES EKPO

On Monday, 5^th September, 2016, people from all works of life thronged Church of Jesus Christ Comprehensive Secondary School, Atai Otoro in Abak Local Government Area for the opening Ceremony of the Udom/Moses Under 20 Victory Football Tournament.

The tournament which began with a colourful opening ceremony featured March pass by participating teams, Socio political/Cultural organizations, Youth and Women groups, Cultural displays such as Ekpo masquerade, Utu-ekpe, Abiaokpo, Abon among others.

It would be recalled that the State Chapter of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) having seen the pair of Mr. Udom Emmanuel and Mr. Moses Ekpo as the best choice for Akwa Ibom people, instituted a football tournament early last year to mobilize support for the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship flay- bearer. 48 youth teams from the 31 local government areas of the State participation in the tournament then known as Udom/ Moses mobilization Football Tournament.

And with the partnership of Inter-State Drivers Association (ISDAN), Abak Chapter, the tournament ended very successfully. Since the purpose of the tournament was achieved, the organizers have decided to make it an annual event and have accordingly changed the name to Udom/Moses Under -20 Victory Football Tournament.

Interestingly, more than 50 youth teams across the State and other visiting States have indicated their willingness to join in celebrating the victory by participating in the tournament which is being partnered by a foremost socio-political organization, the Abak 5-In-One Consolidated Movement.

It is a fact that every competition that attaches prize money enjoys robust participation. This tournament therefore has a trophy that would be carted home by the winning team. At this junction, the organizers of the football meet wish to thank the Chairman, Abak local government Transition Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen for graciously donating a trophy that is to be competed in this all-important tournament. This act of corporate social responsibility should be emulated by all well-meaning patriots who seek to see Nigeria advance in the cause of peace and progress under an atmosphere of brotherhood engendered by love for one another.

The preparation for this tournament had started more than a month ago. According to the organizers, the aim of the tournament is to take the students in particular and the youths generally off the streets and engage them positively during the long vacation, mobilize support for the Udom Emmanuel’s administration as well as discovering hidden football talents abound in the State.

Kudos must be extended to Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), the organizers of this event for their inventiveness and organization savvy. YSFON which was established in 1965 has been in the forefront of sports development in the Country.

There is no gain saying the fact that most of the outstanding footballers this Country has produced were discovered at YSFON organized football meets. YSFON as a body deserves commendation for its unbridled commitment to football development in the Country. It is believed that at the end of this football meet, some of our talented sons would be discovered and exposed to a rewarding career in football.

It is on record that through organization of age-grade tournaments such as Oba of Benin National Under- 13 Boys and Under- 17 Girls Soccer Tournament, Chief of Naval Staff National Under-14 Boys and Under-17 Girls Soccer Tournament, Ramat International Championship for Under-16 Boys, Mko Abiola National Under-18 Boys, President Unity Cup, Abuja Cup, Esuene Cup, Shema Cup among others, talents have been discovered for Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.

The Victory Football Tournament will also afford Coaches of Akwa Ibom State- owned football clubs like Akwa United, Akwa Starlets, Ibom Youth and Kofine the opportunity to scout for quality players into their respective teams instead of going outside the state to sign players who are not worth the money.

Therefore, the coming of a tournament involving the entire State would reinvent our oneness as a people and build bridges to love and goodwill across all ethnic groups in the State. It would rebuild our faith in one another and eschew those tendencies that give us away as a bigoted people especially at periods of political campaigns. Let’s rise and support this noble cause by YSFON as we welcome teams for the Udom/Moses Under- 20 Victory Football Tournament.

Isonguyo Iniodu is a public affairs analyst.