Sports have been identified as a veritable means for youths to unlock their potential and attain economic emancipation.
This was the submission of the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, on Sunday at the sports arena of Independence High School, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, during the grand finale of the 2023 Ukana Unity Football Tournament.
According to him, sporting events like grassroots football competitions have led to the discovery of talents who proceed to make a living off the sport.
He implored the youths to be passionate and serious whenever opportunities like grassroots tournaments present themselves.
“This is a lesson to the youth to always latch onto things and opportunities such as this,” he advised.
Apostle Nkono, who performed the ceremonial kick-off before the third-place match between Ikot Ofok and Iboho, also hailed the tournament for promoting unity among the Ukana group of villages as well as de-emphasising youth restiveness in the area.
He said the tournament’s ideology was in sync with the youth empowerment agenda of the NDDC.
The NDDC Commissioner further hailed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for being a true pillar of sports in Ukana, Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and globally.
“Through his efforts, this tournament has assumed a national dimension,” he added.
He also lauded Envoy Nsentip Akpabio, other supporters of the tournament, and the central planning committee for the consistency recorded and top-notch organisation of the competition.
Chairman on the occasion, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, was equally ecstatic over the concept of the tournament, promising that as a legislator, he will work towards ensuring that there is legislation for the compulsory development of grassroots sports.
A member representing Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Hon. Barr Patrick Umoh, also hailed the success of the tournament, saying he’s “proud to be a part and parcel of the organisers of the tournament.”
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko; member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. Prince Ukpong Akpabio; Elder Ubong Obot, the CEO of Ubotex Integrated Services; and hordes of other dignitaries also mouthed glittering statements about the tournament and its organisers, pledging to give sundry support for the competition.
In the third-place playoff, Ukana Ikot Ofok defeated Ukana Iboho 3:1 on penalties after the match ended in a 1:1 stalemate.
Ukana Ikot Akpabio defeated Ukana Akpautong 4:3 on penalties in the grand finale.
