Football is a uniting force and bond that builds bridges among populace.
Remarkably, the competition inaugural Ngwa Football Unity Cup was sponsored and masterminded by Chinedu Victor Egbulafor ( US based pharmacist and philanthropist who hails from Osusu Village in Aba North LGA of Abia State.
The format of the competition saw towns in the local governments bordering Ngwa land, namely;
Aba North LGA,
Aba South LGA
Osisioma LGA
Ugwunagbo LGA
Isialangwa South LGA
Isialangwa North LGA
Obingwa LGA
Technically, the competition started in October 2021 and the grand finale was on the 6th of January 2022.
Aba South emerged winners and were given an impressive sum of 1.5 million naira. A resilient Obingwa LGA team finished as runners up and were rewarded with 1 million naira while 500 thousand naira went to Aba North LGA and the 4th position was a consolation prize of two hundred thousand naira to 4th placed Ugwunagbo LGA.
Positively, the Brooklyn-based philanthropist is not a politician and is building his foundation to reach out and give back to his people.
Significantly, medical and financial aid were also offered to various villages within and around the Ngwa axis.
Numerous tricycles were given out as a gesture to help young and unemployed youth to get a grip on life .
One fact remains: That Chinedu Victor Egbulefu Foundation’s benevolence was displayed to the respective local governments that jostled for the prize money and it created a bond, helping in bolstering of relationships and ties between the concerned LGAs, through a shared goal.
It is a standard in Abia State and Nigeria at large which is obviously contagious in terms of impacting humanity, a feat that systematically and positively changed the face of grassroot football in Abia State, a tale still tasty on the lips of the participating players who have been wondering and asking “Does his kind of man truly exist”?
Chinedu Victor Egbulafor Foundation promised a bigger and consistent yearly competition/outreach as long as he is alive. Further, he called out to other stake holders to key into such venture. Most certainly It is an indelible mark worth appreciating.