The Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has emphasized the role of sports in empowering youth, reducing poverty, and fostering overall youth development.
Hon. Mandela who disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony of the Donko Cares Foundation’s Inter-Village Football Competition at the Etche Road Primary School Stadium in Aba, urged both governmental bodies and individuals to provide unwavering support to young talents in both field and track events, to enable them realize their aspirations in life.
The Abia Lawmaker epresented by his Legislative Assistant, Mr. Dimgba Ejieke, highlighted the unifying power of sports, stressing its role in promoting peace, fostering cooperation among the villages in Aba and empowering the youth while referencing the achievements of notable athletes who have positively impacted their communities and families.
He further used the opportunity to express gratitude to the organizers for launching the competition at a time when the cohesion and peaceful coexistence of Aba’s people are vital for the state’s development, given Aba’s strategic importance both locally and nationally, and internationally.
He also encouraged the Foundation to continue its valuable public charity work and people-centered projects aimed at bringing positive change to society.
In his response, the Founder of Donko Cares Foundation, Mr. Roseson Obasi, thanked Rt. Hon Mandela Obasi for honoring the invitation, even on short notice, by sending a representative, pointing out that the competition was not merely about winning a prize but about promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Aba, an important consideration for potential investors interested in the region.
The opening match had Igbere community emerging winners after defeating Item with a 1-0 scoreline. Other communities participating in the competition include Abiriba, Ohafia, Ngwa, Ekwulobia, Ugwueke, Edda, Ozuitem, Nkanu, and Alayi.
The event also featured musical performances by Exnel Nwa Aba and other up-and-coming local musicians, with numerous dignitaries attending the occasion.
