BY SAB OSUJI

Awka, the capital of Anambra State stood firmly still Sunday, 8th October, 2023 as the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, graced the opening ceremony of the inaugural edition of the 'Solution Community Shield Football Championship', at the Awka City Stadium, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

The tournament is being engineered by the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, the state football association and the ministry of local government and chieftancy affairs.

All the 179 communities in the 21 local government areas of the state are taking part in the 'Festival of Football'.

Draws for the championship will be conducted Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at the ASATU Office, Government House, Awka, at 10 am.

At Sunday's opening ceremony, the State's Number 1 Citizen, Governor Soludo, His Deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the Government of Anambra State and all the President Generals of the 179 communities in the state were in attendance for the historic opening ceremony amidst pomp and pageantry.

It was 'funfair' unlimited as the 179 President Generals under Anambra State Association of Town Unions with their town representatives added colour to the bright Sunday morning event with their presence.

Governor Soludo took the Ceremonial salute during a march past by the 179 communities.

The Governor assured 'Ndî Anambra' that his administration will make sure that youths are empowered through sports and football in particular.

 He emphasized on the importance of football in fostering unity and ensuring peace within the state,  promising that he will give 'full backing to the State FA to boost their football development programs'.

Governor Soludo reserved 'special praise' for the FA Chairman, 'Gen' Chikelue Iloenyosi alongside the Chairman of Sports commission, Hon Patrick Estate Onyedum and President of ASATU, Barr Titus Akpudo for Solution Community Shield Football Tournament initiative. 

The FA Boss thanked Mr Governor for being a 'father figure', leaving his tight schedule to be with the football family of Anambra state. 

The FA boss assured the Governor that this tournament will bear fruits as his office and that of the Sports commission have already inaugurated a committee that will be spotting talents that will be motivated for bigger moves.

'General', as Iloenyosi, a former Super Eagles defender is fondly called, also thanked the Deputy Governor for his support. 

The one time U23 Olympic Eagles defender would go on to appreciate the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze for his unflinching support. 

Also present was the Secretary to the state Government, Mr Solo Chukwudebelu. 

The Commissioner for LGA and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Collins Nwabunwanne, Chairman Anambra State Sports Commission, Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum and a large number of House of Assembly members. 

In the unofficial match to kick off proceeding Ogidi town defeated Awka town by a lone goal to entertain the mammoth crowd in the stadium.