Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Edevbie, Agas Applaud Umurhohwo On Annual Football Competition

A frontline traditional ruler in Delta State, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, on Sunday hailed a House of Assembly hopeful, Mr Oke Umurhohwo, for his interest in helping young people discover their purpose, tasking other politicians in the state to emulate him.

The highly revered monarch said this at the finale of an annual football competition hosted by Mr Umurhohwo, describing football as a verifiable tool for the mental and physical development of the youth.

Oharisi III who was impressed at the opportunities that such a tournament holds for young people, appreciated Mr Umurhohwo for organising the football tourney, which he noted not only offers financial benefits to participating youth and communities but also aids the discovery and nurturing of talents to fruition.

“With this wonderful tournament, Oke Umurhohwo has demonstrated his interest in the development of young people and it is noteworthy that I charge every Ughelli son and daughter to emulate him,” the monarch said.

The Chief of Staff to Delta state Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowo, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, described the football competition as an ideal way to give young people a platform to showcase their talents, commending Mr Umurhohwo for the initiative.

In his address, Chief David Edevbie, welcomed the annual football competition as a way of giving hope to young people, noting that Mr Umurhohwo had shown he understands the youth and is willing to help them in his own way.

Clearly impressed by the competition, Chief Edevbie donated a sum of N200,000 to be added to the prize money set out by the organizer.

Speaking at the finale, Mr Umurhohwo explained that the idea behind the football competition was to give young people in Ughelli an opportunity to discover themselves and not let their talents go to waste.

Mr Umurhohwo revealed the competition will be a continuous event as a yearly exercise and pointed out that the competition was his little way of contributing to the State and his constituency.

The final match of the Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup was played between Delta Rangers football Club of Ughelli North and Heroes Warrior of Okwagbe of Ughelli South. At the end of a highly entertaining encounter, Delta Rangers club emerged the winners by defeating Heroes Warrior 2-1.

The winners received a cash prize of N350,000 and other prize items, while the runners-up picked a cash prize of N200,000. Match officials were gifted N50,000.

Among dignitaries who were at the event were Olorogun David Edevbie; Rt Hon Ovie Agas who was represented by Clement Igbedia; Chief Dr Chris Oharisi; the Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, Olorogun Peter Akpofure; the President General of Ughelli Descendants Union, Olorogun Pius Omubaye; the Vice President General 2 of Ughelli Descendants Union, Olorogun Superior; and the Chairman of all community Presidents of Ughelli Kingdom, Edward Omotubu.

The high point of the competition was the presentation of the winner’s trophy and cash prizes to the winners and runners-up in front of a capacity crowd thrilled to have been treated to an exciting spectacle of football featuring the stars of tomorrow.