Ubulu, one of the six villages in the Oru North ward, Oru West council area of Imo, on Saturday lifted the first edition of the Hope Uzodimma Peace Cup.
Our correspondent reports that the tournament was hosted by the Imo Commissioner for
Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba, who also hails from Ubulu.
Six villages from the Oru North electoral ward participated, with Ubulu village locking horns in the field of play with Aji village in the final match.
Two first half goals, a 25th minute header and 40th minute strike from Ubulu’s Donald Madubugha were enough to seal the victory and secure the trophy despite 47th minute goal from their opponents.
Speaking while handing over the trophy to the winners, Emelumba described the tournament as a testament to the return of peace to the community, hence the tournament’s title.
He attributed the return of peace to the efforts of the state governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, whom he said, courageously confronted the insecurity that had plagued the community four years ago.
He advised the community’s youth to get meaningfully involved in legitimate business and take advantage of opportunities presented by the tournament to showcase their talents to the world.
He also urged Imo people in diaspora to feel free to return home adding that “ the cherished peace of our land is here to stay “.
Also speaking, traditional ruler of the community, Eze Goodluck Obi, thanked Emelumba for initiating the tournament and pledged full support for all initiatives geared towards the return of peace for the development of the community.
The football match, officiated by members of the Nigeria Referee Association was also attended by representatives of the Imo government as well as a mammoth crowd of supporters from the six villages.