Chairman, Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Chief Eni-Uduma Chima says grassroots sports development is critical for discovering and harnessing potential sporting talents.
Chima spoke, yesterday at Ekoli-Edda, after handing over a trophy to the Amaeke Football Club, winner of the 2018 edition of the Ekoli-Umunna Football Association (EUFA)’s organised tournament.
Chima commended the organisers of the tournament and the teams that participated in the soccer fiesta, describing sports as an instrument for peace building and unity.
He called on governments at all levels, sports lovers as well as wealthy individuals to invest in grassroots sports development to uncover hidden sporting talents.
“The essence of this annual football tournament is to promote peace, unity among the communities that participate in the soccer fiesta and provide recreation to citizens who came home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“Our people value this competition more than the English Premier League or the European Champions League.
“The competition gives us opportunity to look at the people playing in the tournament and pick potential football talents from there.
“The grassroots soccer competition which started 29 years ago has led to the discovery of football stars of international repute, including the likes of late Chief Kalu Idikaku – Pele – a former captain of the Nigerian Green Eagles,’’ Chima said.
The council chairman, who paid tribute to the founding fathers of the football competition, promised to ensure the continuity of the annual soccer event.
He promised to plant grasses at the pitch of  Egbegbu mini stadium, Ekoli-Edda  to enhance general infrastructure at the mini-stadium.
Chima also addressed the crowd of spectators who thronged to watch the final match, urging them to participate actively in the 2019 general elections.
He urged members of the community who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure that they collect them to enable them exercise their civic responsibility.
He said that the council would assist members of the community resident in different parts of the country to come home and vote by providing them with free transportation during the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
The council chairman informed the indigenes of the various developmental projects undertaken by Gov. Dave Umahi and called for their continued support for the governor’s re-election.