- Sports, especially football is one of the most popular activities among youths all over the world, it is also tagged a unifying factor for the youths.
- Proven results have showed that sports participation is positively related to pro-social behaviourProven results have showed that sports participation is positively related to pro-social behaviour, subjective health, well-being, and sense of coherence at both measurements.
On Thursday, 1st September, 2022, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party flagbearer for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency at the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, kicked off a football match championship tagged “PVC Soccer Game Championship” played at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia.
Speaking after the final football match which saw the team from Umuahia North defeat that from Ikwuano to emerge overall champions of the round-robin tournament, the Speaker congratulated the Umuahia team for their deserved and well fought-for victory after an electrifying final between the two teams.
Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji said football is a universal sport which is duly recognised because of its acceptance especially by the youths, especially as it has its way of unifying people, transcending differences and in most cases, helping people overcome challenges.
The Speaker underscored his appreciation and understanding of the importance of sports among the youths in particular and humanity in general, coupled with many raw talents that abound in the state hence the reason he embarked on the construction of mini stadiums in several locations in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
He used the opportunity to inform the youths on the need to enhance their performance and participation at elections and urged them to support credible candidates in the coming one.
Impressed by the good reflexes, wonderful agility and good organizational skills by the captain and goalkeeper of the victorious team, Gabriel Obasi, the Speaker called him out for special recognition, congratulated him and offered him a huge monetary reward. He urged him to keep up the performance and be disciplined if he must make progress in his footballing career.
At this point, the Chairman of Abia Warriors and the Director-General of the Speaker’s campaign council, Pastor Emeka Inyama offered Mr Gabriel Obasi an automatic trial with the first team of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia.
Giving the vote of thanks, the State’s Director of Sports, Sir Isaac O. Isaac thanked the Speaker for his excellent leadership qualities which have helped improve governance in Abia State.
He thanked him especially for the construction of mini stadiums in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, describing the projects as both monumental and indelible that will help lift the youths.
Sir Isaac O. Isaac intimated the Speaker about the case of one Mr Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday, who was supposed to leave the country for the BWF Para Badminton Tournament 2022 in Spain but has been delayed because of financial constraints.
The Speaker then promised to make the required funds available so the travel arrangements of Mr Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday will be processed immediately.
Recall that the 7th Abia State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji had on Wednesday, August 31, passed “The Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons” otherwise known as the “Disability Law” into law in order to eliminate all forms of discrimination against persons living with disabilities and also protect them from the extensive violations of their rights by institutions and individuals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Sir Jude Chijioke Ndukwe, just like Peter Drury, the renowned British sports commentator, impressed the football fans with his amazing commentary prowess during the football match.
