In a show of unity and youth empowerment, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, on Wednesday officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the Chairman’s Cup Competition, at a colourful ceremony held at Oharisi Primary School playground, Ughelli.
The event, which marks the commencement of activities to celebrate his one year in office, attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Kelly Ajero Okeoghene Prosper, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Pastor Unuavworho Irikefe Goodluck, councillors, traditional chiefs, community leaders, and passionate sports enthusiasts from across Ughelli North.
Chairman Egbo described the tournament as more than a football competition, calling it a “celebration of unity, youth, and community development.”
He emphasised the significance of the initiative in fostering discipline, teamwork, peace, and talent development across the seven kingdoms of Ughelli North.
“This initiative is not just a football tournament; it reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and peacebuilding,” Egbo stated.
The Senior Lawyer and Knight of St. Christopher also used the platform to commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the construction of a long-demanded flyover at the Otovwodo junction in Ughelli.
He hailed the approval as a major milestone in the region’s infrastructural advancement.
“That’s the flyover we’ve been fighting for. The enemies tried hard because they knew this bridge would be approved. But they failed. We are going to reject them. Sheriff till 2031!” he declared passionately, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Egbo further called on the people of Ughelli North to rally behind the Governor’s MORE Agenda and continue supporting his administration for sustained progress and development.
The opening fixture of the tournament saw Ogor Kingdom draw Orogun Kingdom in a 1–1 encounter.
The tournament continues on Thursday, 24th July 2025, with Agbarho Kingdom set to face Ughelli Kingdom at the same venue.