In a significant move towards youth engagement and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, Honourable Tajudeen Alade Suleman, Chairman of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, has unveiled plans to prioritize sporting activities as a key component of his governance agenda.
The announcement came at the grand finale of the 8th edition of the Chairmanship Golden Cup Tournament, where Ekpesa United Football Club secured victory over Zion Football Club of Igarra in a penalty shoot-out, determining their supremacy with a lone goal.
The female category witnessed Damgbala Babes Football Club emerging as winners, defeating Ojah Babes Football Club with a lone goal in the closely contested 2023 football tournament.
In his address, the local government boss emphasized the importance of participating in sports for achieving mental alertness and overall well-being.
He stated that, “Regular exercise and engagement in sports activities are essential for the physical and mental stability of an individual.”
Reflecting on his recent “walk-for-life” exercise through the major streets of Igarra, he highlighted the importance of the exercise in maintaining fitness for the demanding responsibilities of governance.
He disclosed that when he assumed office in the month of September, he found amongst other things that sporting activities in the local government were comatose. He said that he took measures to resuscitate the activities knowing its powers to engage the youths and other segments of society.
He noted that the just concluded tournament was unique as it promoted inclusiveness amongst women to curb illegal migration of the girl-child and child labour. He reiterated the need to catch them young, stressing that the event was all about talent haunt, while expressing readiness to improve in subsequent editions.
Adding to the day’s events, prominent philanthropist and entrepreneur Apostle Isaac Itape Billions pledged to collaborate with the Chairman to enhance the next edition of the tournament.
He applauded the Chairman’s efforts and made cash donations to participating teams.
The climax of the tournament featured the Chairman being decorated with a golden medal, while Ekpesa United Football Club proudly hoisted the coveted trophy.
Distinguished personalities present at the event included the Otaru of Igarra Kingdom, HRH Oba Adeche Saiki; the Odafe of Enwan, HRH Oba Peter Okarah; former Chairman of Edo State Management Board, Chief Monday Sule; former council transition chairman and special adviser to the council chairman, Hon Dr. Peter Alade Ologun, amongst several other dignitaries.
