By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The 2024 edition of the Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem Football Competition kicked off in grand style at the Ute-Okpu Grammar School football pitch in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State. The much-anticipated tournament, which has been a tradition for over a decade, began with a thrilling encounter where Ibiegwa Quarters triumphed over Ogbe Quarters with a commanding 2-0 victory.
The opening ceremony, attended by a large crowd of passionate football fans from across Delta State, was marked by inspiring speeches and expressions of gratitude. Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem, the sole sponsor of the competition, took a moment to thank God for making the event possible. Represented by Mr. Endurance Azobu, Senior Special Assistant (Political) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Dr. Ibegbulem emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and understanding throughout the duration of the competition.
Dr. Ibegbulem, a former Principal Secretary to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, reminded the teams that the primary objective of the annual tournament is to foster unity among the people of Ute-Okpu Kingdom, irrespective of political affiliations. He stressed that “we were first Ute-Okpu people before politics,” urging the participants to keep the spirit of peace and unity alive.
In his address, Dr. Ibegbulem also encouraged the youth of the kingdom to remain focused and engage in activities that promote peace, especially during the festive season. He assured them of his continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his people.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the opening ceremony, including Hon. Samson Nwenearizi, Comrade Peter Ozor, and Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State, commended Dr. Ibegbulem for his unwavering support of the competition. They prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for him as he strives to uplift the people of Ute-Okpu and Delta State.
On the pitch, Ibiegwa Quarters put on an impressive display, overcoming Ogbe Quarters with a 2-0 victory. The match was hard-fought, with Ibiegwa taking advantage of an inexperienced goalkeeper on the Ogbe side. The win set a strong tone for what promises to be an exciting competition in the days to come.
The Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem Football Competition continues to serve as an important platform for promoting peace, unity, and sportsmanship within Ute-Okpu Kingdom and beyond, with all eyes now on the next round of fixtures.
The 2024 edition of the Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem Football Competition kicked off in grand style at the Ute-Okpu Grammar School football pitch in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State. The much-anticipated tournament, which has been a tradition for over a decade, began with a thrilling encounter where Ibiegwa Quarters triumphed over Ogbe Quarters with a commanding 2-0 victory.
The opening ceremony, attended by a large crowd of passionate football fans from across Delta State, was marked by inspiring speeches and expressions of gratitude. Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem, the sole sponsor of the competition, took a moment to thank God for making the event possible. Represented by Mr. Endurance Azobu, Senior Special Assistant (Political) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Dr. Ibegbulem emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and understanding throughout the duration of the competition.
Dr. Ibegbulem, a former Principal Secretary to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, reminded the teams that the primary objective of the annual tournament is to foster unity among the people of Ute-Okpu Kingdom, irrespective of political affiliations. He stressed that “we were first Ute-Okpu people before politics,” urging the participants to keep the spirit of peace and unity alive.
In his address, Dr. Ibegbulem also encouraged the youth of the kingdom to remain focused and engage in activities that promote peace, especially during the festive season. He assured them of his continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his people.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the opening ceremony, including Hon. Samson Nwenearizi, Comrade Peter Ozor, and Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State, commended Dr. Ibegbulem for his unwavering support of the competition. They prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for him as he strives to uplift the people of Ute-Okpu and Delta State.
On the pitch, Ibiegwa Quarters put on an impressive display, overcoming Ogbe Quarters with a 2-0 victory. The match was hard-fought, with Ibiegwa taking advantage of an inexperienced goalkeeper on the Ogbe side. The win set a strong tone for what promises to be an exciting competition in the days to come.
The Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem Football Competition continues to serve as an important platform for promoting peace, unity, and sportsmanship within Ute-Okpu Kingdom and beyond, with all eyes now on the next round of fixtures.
