•As football tournament kicks off

Imo State Government peace efforts have received massive commendations from the people of Oru West Local Government Area of the state.

The Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who spoke of behalf of his people, expressed gratitude to his boss and governor of the state, Hope Uzodimma, for the restoration of the peace which has enabled people of the local government to resume normal activities, including sports.

Emelumba spoke as the Oru North football tournament took off at the Comprehensive Secondary School, Ubulu, in Oru West local government area of the state.

The commissioner, who is the sponsor of the tournament named after the governor, recalled that the area was the epicentre of insecurity in Imo State before the intervention of the governor. He explained that the tournament was initiated and named after Uzodimma to reassure the people that peace has returned to the area.

He noted that since the intervention of Uzodimma, by establishing a permanent security base in the area, the people were now enjoying peace and progress.

Emelumba disclosed that as a further demonstration of the people’s joy and gratitude to the governor, the Governor Hope Uzodimma Peace Cup will, henceforth, be staged annually. He encouraged youths in the area to support the government’s peace efforts by remaining proactive and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to security agencies.

The Coordinator of the tournament and retired Director of Sports, Mr. Emmanuel Metu, said six wards—Nnempi, Ubulu, Ibiasoegbe, Aji, Ele, and Amaofuo—will compete for the trophy.

Other speakers, including the Leader of the Legislative Council of Oru West, Mr. Casmir Onukaeze, Mrs. Blessing Igweoji, Chief Alphonsus Okike, and Mr. Chika Onyemenem, commended Emelumba for his magnanimity and love for his people.

The opening match featured Ibiasoegbe Ward against Ubulu Ward, which ended two goals to nil in favour of Ubulu ward.