The ongoing Otukpo Royal Football Tournament marking 25 years of the reign of Chief Dr John Onuminya Eimonye, OON, on the throne of Otukpo Kingdom in Central Nigeria, has received a big boost with the participation of an American based philanthropist, Chief David Odang Ode Uwanagbe.
Chief Uwanagbe, who graced a match between the Otada United Football Club and Success Academy Club at Upu, headquarters of Otukpo Kingdom, was full of praises for His Royal Highness the Och’Otukpo Odu for bringing youths from all over Otukpo and environs to showcase their football skills in such a peaceful atmosphere.
“I lack adequate words to appreciate what our Royal Father is putting in place to celebrate the silver jubilee anniversary of his peaceful reign. I enjoin everyone to join me in thanking him for initiating programmes like this to promote unity among our youths, take them off the streets, and shape their minds against destructive vices such as cultism and drug abuse. It is really commendable, and I hope to follow the footsteps of our King by also sponsoring a tournament soon”, Chief David Uwanagbe said enthusiastically, adding that he would intervene financially to make the tournament an annual event.
Speaking on the level of play, the philanthropist, who is a veteran of the world acclaimed National American Basketball league, pointed out that with better facilities the sky could be the starting point for the footballers, advising that more and more youths should be serious with sports in addition to their academics.
Speaking after a keenly contested match in which Success Academy pipped Otada United 2 goals to 1, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the football tournament, Hon Chief Owoicho Abel, the Ogaji K’Otukpo, expressed gratitude to Chief Uwanagbe for not only accepting to honour the occasion as Special Guest, but attending the match in person despite his busy schedule, especially providing so much refreshments for both players and guests.
HRH Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief Dr John Onuminya Eimonye, who also watched the match alongside Chief Uwanagbe, thanked the American based sports enthusiast and community developer for being a worthy son of Otukpo, pointing to the possibility of more titles being bestowed on him in addition to the “Agaba Alegwu K’Aogwuche” recently given to him in recognition of his enormous contributions to the development of the community.
