Stakeholders Hail Senator Nwebonyi As Ohamadike Super League 2025 Kicks Off In Ebonyi

Stakeholders from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone have commended the Senator representing the zone, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, for flagging off the Ohamadike Super League 2025, describing the initiative as a major boost to youth development, unity and grassroots sports.

The colourful flag-off ceremony, held on Sunday at Mbeke-Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area, attracted sons and daughters of the senatorial district from far and near. Flagging off the competition, Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Ugo-Idike, praised Senator Nwebonyi for sustaining and expanding the competition to cover the entire Ebonyi North zone.

The commissioner noted that football remains a strong unifying platform for youths, expressing satisfaction with the quality of play displayed during the opening match. He added that the competition would serve as an avenue for discovering outstanding talents for higher opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the senator, the Coordinator of Mbeke Development Centre, Mr. Franklin Ngwu, said the Ohamadike Super League is exclusive to Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, comprising the four local government areas in the zone. He explained that the league is designed to promote unity through sports and curb social vices among youths.

Ngwu announced prize money of five million naira for the overall winner, three million naira for the runner-up, and two million naira for the third-placed team, describing Senator Nwebonyi as a proactive and visionary leader with strong commitment to youth empowerment.

Unveiling the competition trophy, former Minister of State for Power and Steel, Chief Goddy Ogbaga, applauded the senator, describing the initiative as a reflection of humility, hard work and dedication to youth development.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Coordinators’ Forum and Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Chidi Ogbonna, said the league was designed to unite the people, discover talents and curb youth restiveness, noting that a significant percentage of Senator Nwebonyi’s empowerment programmes are youth-focused.

Other dignitaries at the event, including the National President of the Ohamadike Progressive Union, described Senator Nwebonyi as youth-friendly and urged beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and supportive of ongoing development efforts. Meanwhile, the opening match of the competition ended in a one-nil victory for Izzi Local Government Area over the host team, Ebonyi Local Government Area.