By Elijah Ugani
Obudu Urban 1 ward football team defeated Ipong Ward in a one goal to nill final encounter which held on September 7th 2024, at the Obudu Township Stadium to win the 2024 Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament.
The foundation which is in honor the late Patriarch and father of Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, former Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr Patrick Ugbe, CEO & MD, Hit 95 FM, Mr John Ugbe Jr, Managing Director, MultiChoice and other siblings to impact positively on the lives of the people, is poised to identify talents in Obudu youths.
Speaking to TheLumineNews, Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, who spoke on behalf of the entire family noted that as part of efforts to remember the good legacies of their father, they have decided to come together to impact the people with the view of making lives better.
He stated that “we decided to initiate the football tournament because football unites people from different backgrounds. It keeps the youth busy and prevents them from indulging in so many illicit behaviors”.
The following were the prizes won by teams and individuals during the tournament.
Winners: Obudu URBAN 1 ward
Prize – 1 Million Naira, a set of jerseys, 24 pieces of Gold medals.
First runners up- IPONG-
Prize – N300,000.00
10 pairs of boots, a set of jersey , 24 pieces of silver medals.
Second runner up – Utugwang Central Ward
Prize – N200,000.00, ten pairs of boots, 24 bronze medals.
Third runner up – Angiaba/ Begiaka ward
Prize- Ten pairs of boots.
Best player – Gabriel Alikpang- Utugwang Central
Best goalkeeper – Onungo Sute – Urban 1
Highest goal scorer – Bor bor – Urban 1
The Special Guest of honor, Chief Tony Undiandeye, commended the family of late Chief John Ugbe for founding a foundation in honor of their late Patriarch. He used the opportunity to encourage other persons to consider putting up ideas and initiatives that will add value to the society.
This is the second edition of the tournament as the first commenced last year. It is also the only tournament that gives out a million Naira as prize for the winners.
The goal of the tournament is to unite the ten wards of Obudu using football competitions.
The tournament will also identify talents with the view to harness them for excellence.
