Candidate for Orlu State Constituency in the March 11 State Assembly elections, Comrade Dr. Mrs. Justina Ekene Akwuaka-Akwaja said the tournament would help to bring back peace, love and unity in the LGA.
Akwaja, who is contesting on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), charged the participating autonomous communities to play the tournament with love and mutual respect.
She equally enjoined the organizers to ensure that everything was done peacefully so as not to defeat the purpose of sponsoring the competition.
According to Akwaja, who is the only female candidate in the House of Assembly race 2023, what propelled her to sponsor the tournament was the need to restore peace, unity and tranquility in Orlu Council Area for the development of the land, arguing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, love and unity.
Describing the game of football as a veritable platform to foster peace, love, friendship and unity among youths of every community, Akwaja hinted that the tournament would keep the community lively and busy for indigenes and visitors to enjoy.
Akwaja who stressed the importance of peace in the society, however expressed the hopes that with time, the security situation in the area would improve.
She seized the occasion to mourn the demise of a great football player, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, acknowledging his strides in the world of football.
Dr. Akwaja also prayed for New Year blessings and joy in the homes of all Orlu natives and residents and as well, reassured of her avowed determination to reposition the constituency when elected.
She promised to develop both human and natural resources and give Orlu LGA, “ORLU FC” through which talents of both boys and girls will be developed and talented youths sent abroad to pursue their sporting career without limits.
36 autonomous communities in Orlu LGA are expected to participate in the tournament which kicked off on Thursday, December 29, 2022 .
The official kick off was done by the Paramount Ruler of Orlu Kingdom, HRM Dr. Patrick Acholonu at School 1 Orlu Gedegwum, in the presence of Ohanaeze Youth Council National President – Comrd. Igboayaka O Igboayaka, Orlu APGA Chairman represented by Mr. Ernest Samuel, APGA Chairmen, prominent members of other political parties, among other dignitaries including men, women and youths of various communities who also converged to celebrate the epoch making event.