The honourable member in the Ministry of Youth Development, Hon. (Barr.) Thankgod Harry Tarakiriowei, at the just concluded Kunukunuma Ward football tournament sponsored by the Leader of all leaders in the Legislative Arm of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo Idukedoumene Samuel, has revealed plans of the Delta State government to organise a grassroots football competition across the 25 local government areas of the state.

The Kunukunuma Ward football tournament was rounded up in Kurutie Federated Community with a final match encounter between Pepe-Ama FC and Oporoza FC on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Among some of the prominent guests in attendance are Chief (Hon.) Thomas Ereyitomi, the member representing Warri North/Warri South/Warri South-West Federal Constituency and Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, both in the House of Representatives. 

Also in attendance are High Chief Anthony Ayebibode, the Torupuwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom who played father of the event; Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, the Chairman of Delta State Mini-Football Association and the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom (who flagged-off the ceremony); the President of the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC), Mr. Egbejule Arerebo Kingsley, the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Gbaramatu Clan, Comrade Zikurebai Oyinkuro Wazo, among others.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo, the host of the event, in his welcome address, thanked invited guests, the people of the ward and Gbaramatu Kingdom at large for their presence in the maiden edition of the tournament.

He hinted that the tournament, which is aimed at engaging the youths and the discovery of talents in the grassroots, will be sustained annually during his tenure as Leader of the Legislative House.

The competition ended with penalty shootout that led to Oporoza FC emerging victorious, clinching the top prize of N500,000k, while Pepe-Ama FC and Kurutie FC clinched the first and second runners up prizes of N300,000k and N150,000k, respectively. Other teams that participated in the contest are Kunukunuama FC, Benikrukru FC, Ikantu FC, Kokodiagbene FC and Okerenkoko FC.

Meanwhile, while addressing the press, Hon. Tarakiriowei applauded the organiser of the tournament for coming up with an engaging idea which he noted coincided with the plans of the state government to promote peace and empower the youths through sports.

"I really want to say thank you to all those who have contributed, supported our friend, the Leader of leaders in Delta State. Thank you Sampolo for bringing this beautiful football tournament to Gbaramatu today.

"We have been engaging the youth in Delta State in several forms. Our youth-friendly government has created a whole top platform empowerment to different entities. And I was shocked when he invited me for this tournament because in no due time, in March, we are starting a football tournament across the 25 local governments. 

"And with this, I think we will not miss it out because this is like encouraging for me to be here with what I've seen today. I know if we start that way, Delta State will have something to talk about," he added.

Other stakeholders also commended the initiative embarked by the sponsor of the tournament as well as the impressive turnout of spectators at the maiden edition which shows the people are lovers of sports.

Other highlights include the presentation of medals to Hon. Pondi, Hon. Ereyitomi, Hon. Tarakiriowei, Chief Ayebibode, Pastor Arex Akemotubo by the sponsor Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo who was presented with a photo portrait by the Executive Leaders/Councilors Forum in Delta State.

Kunukunuma Ward is one of the wards in Gbaramatu Kingdom and Kurutie community is the home country of the Leader of all leaders as well as host to the takeoff campus of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko.

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