The Igbo-Etiti Local Government says all is set for the commencement of the Chairman’s Cup Football Tournament and Marathon Walk.
The Chairman of the council, Dr. Eric Odo, said this on Tuesday after holding a meeting with the organiser of the two events, his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports Development, Mr Uche Ozoemena.
Odo said that they were part of the activities lined up for the Christmas celebration in the area.
He urged Ozoemena to take charge of the event and emphasised the importance of sports in bringing individuals and communities together.
According to him, the football tournament will enable participating teams to showcase their skills, which would encourage interested ones among them to pursue either of them as a career.
“The Chairman’s Cup Football Tournament is part of the broader efforts to foster unity, encourage teamwork as well as celebrate this year’s Christmas in a unique way.
“The winner of the tournament will go home with N1 million, the first runner-up will win N500,000, while the second runner-up will get N300,000.
“The tournament will be played at the council field and the teams will be drawn from the 20 Wards that make up the LGA.
“I believe football has the power to break barriers and build stronger relationships among various communities.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Igbo-Etiti youths to showcase their football skills and compete in a friendly environment,” the council boss said.
He affirmed his commitment to support and develop sports in the area, saying that his administration would continue to prioritise and promote youth development through sports.
Earlier, the SSA on Sports expressed excitement over the initiative, saying the event would be well coordinated.
Ozoemena expressed optimism that both the tournament and marathon walk would attract a large number of participants, spectators, and sports enthusiasts.
“We will work round the clock to release the date of the tournament and also draw of the participating teams.
“We are working hard to ensure that all logistics are put in place to make the tournament a success,” Ozoemena also said.