Grassroots Football: Foundation Descries Unemployment, Insecurity
Apostle Mbaigbo, Chairman of Tropical Gate Foundation says sports and football in particular is a veritable instrument for addressing unemployment and youth restiveness in the country.
Mbaigbo said this at the finals of Aguata Community Shield football competition held at Central school field Amesi in Aguata LGA .
He said the youth from 14 communities which participated in the competition had shown great skills and strength while assuring that the foundation would ensure that the exceptional players were mentored to stardom.
He said Aguata Community Shield was organised to keep youths positively engaged as a way of reducing the number of youths available that could have taken to the streets and indulge in criminal activities.
“The Foundation deemed it necessary to engage the youths with sports because of the increasing insecurity that has bedeviled our society and it is in line with United Nations Sustainable Goals which harps on poverty eradication,” he said.
In the final games, Isuofia emerged winners of the maiden edition after defeating Igbo-Ukwu by 2-1 to cart home the trophy and ultimate prize of N500, 000 while Umuchu were third after penalty shootout with Ezinifite .
Whyte Nwankwo, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee said the communities in Aguata LGA including Amesi, Ekwulobia, Akpo, Achina, Ikenga, Aguluezechukwu, Mgkpologwu, Umuona, Uga, Oraeri all participated.
Nwankwo said the tournament was expected to promote the unity, peace and mutual coexistence among communities in the area.
He said the teams were divided into four groups A and B having four teams each while group C and D have three teams each.
According to him, Fair Play team award went to Ikenga while Ewezuga Ilomba from Isuofia won the overall best player award.
“Highest goal scorer was Ezeokoye Onyeka from Ekwulobia, Emeka Okonkwo from Isuofia won the best goalkeeper rating while Chekwube Okonkwo also from Isuofia was the best coach.
