It was an atmosphere of jubilation in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State as the Nnukwu Ihe Football Tournament, donated by Chief Sir, Kingsley Ugochukwu Okoroafor, ( Nnukwu Ihe 1 of Oguta) ended in grand style.
The finals of the cash-rich event was between Oguta-Amaeshi and Kalahari Beach, which ended in favour of Oguta Amaeshi with a lone goal.
Meanwhile, Abiazim Community humiliated Ndionyemaobi with three clean goals to emerge third in the competition.
The first position took home a million naira, the second position received seven hundred and fifty thousand naira, while the third position got half a million naira.
Every team that participated received fifty thousand naira cash for all teams that participated as well as distribution of bags of rice, There were also other consolation prizes.
The winners, Oguta Amaeshi, were seen singing and jubilating to the glory of God with their one million naira cash prize.
Addressing participants at the programme, the donor, Chief Sir Kingsley Ugochukwu Okoroafor (Nnukwu Ihe 1 of Oguta), congratulated the winners and explained that his motive was to encourage talents, keep youths out of social vices, and impact their lives through selfless services.
Chief Nnukwu Ihe called on Oguta youths to see the tournament as a wake-up call to move from negativity to positivity, stating that the time for re-orientation and attitudinal change is now.
Promising that the next one will come with a special package; he noted that the essence is to empower Oguta youths.
His views' "sometimes we may make mistakes, but the next one will be an improvement. We shall be moving from one higher level to another higher level."
He appealed to Oguta youths to adopt a positive attitude, stating that crime does not pay. "See how other youths in other communities in Anambra and other parts of Igbo Land do things and emulate them.
Let's try and go to school. Education is key. If you can't go to school, learn a skill. By the time you're done, you'll be established in the business. If you go to school, your attitude and approach to issues will surely be different; you're expected to set the pace in character and conduct."
Chief Nnukwu Ihe, charged Oguta youths to be good ambassadors of Oguta, saying, "Let's be a light, a big light, as the name is Nnukwu ihe."
He explained the dangers of crime and social vices, making it clear that crime does not pay and involvement in it would lead to loss of life.
He expressed regret that despite Oguta having oil, they are still lagging behind, He emphasized the need to learn skills for the betterment of their lives, saying, "Learn a skill and come home to help others and make positive impacts with a clear difference for the betterment of Oguta."
The donor clarified that the football tournament is not for political purposes, but for peace, unity, and progress in Oguta.
Expressing his heart felt appreciation to all, he congratulated all participants and prominent Oguta sons and daughters who graced the tournament.
Nnukwu Ihe Fotball Tournament started on the 8th of November and ended on 28 of December with participation from all the 26 villages in Oguta LGA.
Highlights of the event wer the presentation of the medal, trophy, and cheque by the donor, alongside the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Print Media, Sir Modestus Nwankpa, the Supervisory Councillor for Oguta Ward 8, and other prominent personalities from Oguta LGA.