By Oke Peter
Nigeria’s foremost power generation company, Egbin Power Plc has emphasized that creating platform that allows young people to showcase their talents while also deepening unity among community members contributes to youth and community development.
This fact was highlighted at the 2nd edition of Egbin Power Plc Community Football tournament hosted as part of the company’s efforts to promote sport development in its host communities – Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan.
Speaking at the finals of the 2023 edition held at Ipakan Community Stadium, Ikorodu, the company’s Head of Corporate Communication & Branding, Felix Ofulue explained that the football competition was created to positively engage the youth, boost sport development and further engender the spirit of camaraderie among people in the host communities
“At Egbin Power Plc, we are committed to championing youth and community development in our host communities. What we have seen at this year’s edition of the competition was very impressive, with the huge turn-out of spectators, quality of talents featured and cooperation among the young people that formed the various teams.
“No doubt, the competition provided opportunities for them to bond and also showcase their skills. And we are excited that the tournament recorded high success. We congratulate the winners, and all the teams that participated thereby showing sportsmanship and making the competition very colourful. We believe that youths in these communities possess the abilities to realise their potentials. At Egbin Power Plc we are excited to provide this platform for them to thrive,” Ofulue noted.
Nigeria’s ex-international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who was the special guest at the finals commended Egbin Power Plc for instituting the competition as a way to develop sport in the communities.
He said: “Indeed, this programme by Ebin Power Plc is laudable. I am deeply honoured to be part of this initiative that is aimed at promoting youth and sport development in Nigeria. I commend the company and urge them to keep it up, as it offers bright hope for talents that we have seen in the competition.”
At the finals, Alagura Football Club (FC) emerged winner of the 2023 edition by defeating Igbopa FC 2 – 0, while Sterling Boys Ipakan came 3rd after a thrilling encounter with Oke-Eletu FC that ended 6 – 2. The Champions went home with a cash prize of N1,000,000 while the 2nd and 3rd position received N700,000 and N500,000 respectively.
The Baale of Ipakan, Chief Mustapha Lasisi, applauded the GenCo for contributing to youth and sport development in the host communities. He said: “Through this second edition, the company has demonstrated its interest in promoting unity, growth and development of our communities. We are grateful for the success of this tournament and we urge the company to keep investing and promoting youth and sport development.”
The finals was graced by royal fathers from the host communities, while thousands of spectators came to cheer the teams.
A total of 16 football clubs drawn from different towns in the host communities featured in the 2023 edition. Other football teams that took part in the competition were: Egbin Diamond FC, Oko-Ope FC, Alannu-Omo FC, Egbin Classical FC, New Generation FC, Igbe-Ogunro FC, Ebute Olowo, Egbin Diamond FC, Abule-Eko FC, Ajeri Boys, Dragon Ipakan and Ajede FC.
