From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Encomiums poured in torrents recently for the Soludo administration in Anambra state and the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka for promoting healthy politics with youth empowerment and mobilisation through football.
Venue was the Otuocha Stadium , Anambra East local government headquarters and the programme was tagged “Solution Inter-Ward Football Competition”
Politicians, government functionaries, youths, women and even the elderly gathered that even in an atmosphere of fun, conviviality and brotherly love to witness the tournament. It was fun and highly engaging .
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; former member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe; former Chief of to Governor Willie Obiano, Staff Primus Odili; the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr. Nelson Omenugha; the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, among other distinguished APGA members.
Speaking at the occasion, the facilitator, Commissioner Chukwuemeka articulated the visionary goals behind the initiative, emphasizing its potential to foster community unity and provide a platform for youth development.
He underscored the multifaceted benefits of sports, particularly its transformative impact on the lives of young individuals and the uniqueness of aligning sports with political engagement.
Expanding on Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s achievements and innovative projects, Commissioner Chukwuemeka spotlighted the conversion of thousands of diesel-powered streetlights to solar in different parts of the State, and applauded the Governor’s visionary initiatives.
While rallying the crowd to keep supporting the Governor Soludo-led APGA Government, the Commissioner who currently pays 49 elders in the local government area salaries from his own salary, further promised sustained dividends of democracy to the people, even as he revealed plans to unveil more programs and initiatives catering to all age groups and gender in the local government area.
Kicking off the tournament , Deputy Governor Ibezim, commended Chukwuemeka’s initiative as a model for grassroots development and community engagement.
He urged the youths to embrace sports not only for physical fitness but also as a lucrative career, even as he re-echoed Governor Soludo’s broader initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for all and giving sense of belonging to all individuals, all sectors and all parts of the State.
Dr Ibezim also seized the moment to shed light on some unprecedented actions of the Governor, including his recent historic visit to Orumbanasa, a community never visited by any previous governor in the State, both under the military or the civil rule.
According to him, the journey, which the Governor undertook through various modes of transportation, including boat, tricycle (Keke Napep), and motorcycle (Okada), showcased the administration’s unwavering commitment to reaching every corner of the state and leaving no community untouched by the transformative wave of the APGA government in Anambra.
Ibezim emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, aligning with Mrs. Nonye Soludo’s campaign on Healthy Living. He further re-echoed the First Lady’s call on the people to always exercise dirty and eat clean, as a good principle of healthy living.
The inaugural match, featuring Otuocha Ward 2 and Umueri Ward 2, unfolded with thrilling actions, culminating in a triumphant 3-1 victory for Otuocha Ward 2 against their opponents, all in the spirit of brotherhood and Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya — the golden mantra upon which APGA is founded.
Many stakeholders commended the initiative of the youthful Commissioner, Engr Chukwuemeka noting that such avenues for harmonious living through sports should be encouraged the more.