Okpoga agog as Anthony Agom football tournament kicks off

It was celebration galore and display of talents by youths in Okpoga, the headquarter of Okpokwu local government of Benue state on Sunday as youths, political, religious and traditional leaders from all every nook and cranny of the local council converged at Okpoga Township Stadium, Okpoga to witness the flagoff of the maiden edition of a football tournament organised by member representing Okpokwu State Constituency at Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Agom Anthony (JP).

In his speech shortly before the kickoff of the tournament, Hon Agom called on Okpokwu youths to participate in active sports in order to promote healthy living and brighter future. ” I want youths from Okpokwu to be the Okochas, Amokachis of the world in the near future through the success of this tournament. Through active participation in sports, youths can be discouraged from involvement in social vices as an idle mind is devil’s workshop”, he reechoed.

He said, the emanation of the tournament came from the dream he had of making Okpokwu the epicentre of youth football in Enone land, thus the reason he themed the tournament; #OkpokwuDreamFootballTournament.

Agom thanked the Senator representing the people of Benue South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Abba Patrick Moro, on whose shoulder he was able to make it to the state Assembly. He said the people’s senator would have attended the flag-off if not because of his tight schedules, but promised to support any player who excels in the tournament.

Hon Agom solicited for free and fair officiation throughout the tournament, adding that only the best team that must win the tournament, regardless to where it comes from.

Highlight of the epoch making ceremony was the kickoff of the football by Distinguished Senator Abba Moro, ably represented by the General Manager of the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority, BENSESA, Rt.Hon Solomon Onah to herald the commencement of the tournament.

There was a display of soccer dexterity in the first match as Okonobo FC representing Okonobo ward defeated Presino FC representing Okpoga West Ward by a lone goal. The final of the tournament will be played on 2nd April, 2021.
Among other top personalities who attended the elaborate ceremony include; Okpokwu Local Government Chairman, Hon Mrs Amina Audu, represented by the council’s secretary, Hon.Mrs Patience Ene Akor, immediate past secretary of the local government, Hon Emmanuel Pronto Ameh, member representing Oju II State Assembly, Hon Okponya Okanga Joseph, a lecturer with Benue Polytechnic, Cmrd Austeen Ochiga, PDP exco of the local government and others too numerous to mention.

By Olikita Ekani