BY SAB OSUJI

The Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, JP, says its a rare privilege for him to have an opportunity like this to honour our highly respected traditional and paramount ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe KON Orizu 111, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Ejidike, a philanthropist of no ordinary description, spoke at Nnewi during final match of the inaugural Igwe KON Orizu 111 Diamond Football Competition between Hopeland FC, Nnewi and Rangels FC Achina, at FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Ozubulu Road, Nnewi. Hopeland won 6-5 on penalty kicks after a scoreless draw at regulation time. 

Ejidike instituted the competition to mark the 60th anniversary of Igwe Orizu on the throne of leadership of Nnewi.

"Coincidentally, today marks Igwe K.O.N Orizu 111, JP, CON, 60th year on the Throne, whis is reason why we organised this championship, tagged Igwe Orizu Diamond U20 Football Championship with N1m as winning prize to be shared amongst the winners", Ejidike said.

Ejidike would describe the Nnewi Paramount Ruler as 'first among equals', adding that 'sports, all over the World, is a veritable platform, meaningfully engage our teaming youths and positively shape their lives, brings out the best of their budding talents from them.

"I crave the the indulgence of this Honourable assembly of great men and women, particularly critical sports stakeholders to make this bold but true statement the highly honoured  and respected Igwe K.O.N Orizu 111, JP, CON is first among equals.

"Sports, all over the World, is a veritable platform that meaningfully engages our teaming youth and which has the uptimum potential to positively shape their lives by bringing out their budding talents and nurturing it for the good", he said before rallying Nnewi sons and daughters to join hands in making the industrial town of Nnewi the 'center of attraction not only in business but also in sports.

"Great men and women of Nnewi, rich and wealthy, industrious sons and daughters, rise, rise, my people and collectively, build a dynamic state and make Nnewi center of attraction including in the area of sports.

"I, as the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, am determined to contribute my quota to broaden the horizon of our youths so that we can produce World Stars and make and make our native home great in particular and Nigeria in general.

"This is a home coming for me. It is a thing of joy for me and members of the office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports as well.

"Having said that, let me commend our own distinguished Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah who graciously made available this Stadium complex for this event. I also commend the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, led by Isaac Benjamin, Anambra State Football Association led by Chikelue 'General' Iloenyosi, members of the Igwe Orizu Cabinet particularly the Crown Prince and members of the Main Organising Committee led by Sir Isaac Okonkwo (I.C Okos), members of the Office of the Pillar of Sports led by Ajide Olayioye amongst others too many to mention for your sense of responsibility and technical support which made this championship a success. I salute our Igwe".

Remarkably, Igwe Orizu what physically present during the match. After being introduced to the players and match officials, the Royal Father took the Ceremonial Kick off and personally presented the giant trophy to the captain of Hopeland FC after the thrilling contest.