Gov.Nwifuru Hails Ugota As Ezza Unity Cup Unites Communities, Empowers Youths

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended the Chairman of Esthington Group, Engr. Darlington Ugota, for sponsoring the Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup Tournament, describing the initiative as a powerful tool for promoting peace, unity and youth development across Ezza land.

Governor Nwifuru gave the commendation during the grand finale of the tournament held at the Onueke Township Stadium in Ezza South Local Government Area on Sunday. Represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, the Governor expressed his deep affection for the Ezza people and urged them to remain committed to peace and harmony.

He noted that lasting unity requires sacrifice and assured that his administration would continue to stand firmly with the Ezza Nation so long as the spirit of togetherness is sustained. To encourage the sponsor and ensure the continuity of the competition, the Governor made a financial donation and charged Engr. Ugota to sustain the tournament, stressing that it has become a veritable platform for strengthening brotherhood among the Ezza clan.

The final match between Warriors Football Club of Ekka Community and Alioma Community ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Warriors FC of Ekka emerging champions. The prize money was shared as follows: ₦2.5 million for the winners, ₦1.5 million for the runners-up, and ₦1 million for Ameka Football Club, which placed third. An additional ₦6.6 million will be shared among other participating teams as determined by the organizers.

The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebeh, has applauded the Ekka team for their victory, describing it as a clear reflection of the long-standing campaign by the Ekka people for unity among the Ezza nation. He said the outcome of the match symbolised the collective resolve of the people to strengthen bonds of peace and togetherness across Ezza land. According to him, the gathering was not just for entertainment and fun, but a strong demonstration of the need for sustained unity, whose foundation has been further reinforced through the match. He assured Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru that the Ezza people would reciprocate the administration’s support by voting massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru in the 2027 general elections. Barrister Omebeh also commended the Ezza Elder Supreme Council for the remarkable sacrifices that made the event possible. He particularly recalled the opening match between Ishinkwo and Abaomege communities as a true symbol of unity, expressing confidence that the gesture would be emulated by other parts of the state and thanked Engr. Oguta for the initiative.

Earlier, the sponsor of the tournament and Chairman of Esthington Group, Engr. Darlington Ugota, described the Unity Cup as a reflection of his belief in the potential of young people. He expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru for his exemplary leadership and the visible developmental strides across Ebonyi State, noting that the Governor’s peace-building efforts inspired his decision to sponsor the competition.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, said the tournament had achieved its core objective of fostering peace in Ezza land. “It is now a standard that December 27 is set aside for the opening match of the Ezza Unity Cup to consolidate the good works of the Governor of Ebonyi State,” he said. “I urge the youths to emulate what is happening here. The sponsor is a youth, and I am happy that a youth is leading this in Ezza land. Every youth should emulate Chief Darlington Ugota so that Ezza will move forward.” The grand finale attracted a large crowd of government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups from across Ebonyi State, in Luding the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Ugo-Idike, underscoring the growing importance of the Unity Cup as a rallying point for peace and development in the area.