By Emeka Nwokocha
The Managers of a grassroots-based Maracana Football Club, Effurun, Delta State have been applauded for its unwavering commitment to using football competitions to promote unfettered unity among youths and sustainable peace in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Managers of the Football Club received the commendation, Saturday 20 December, 2025, during the club’s enthralling 2025 end of year novelty match between married and single members of the club which took place at the club’s stadium, behind Uvwie Modern Market, Ugbolokposo, Effurun and aimed to strengthen the bond of love and unity among the players and youths in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Speaking at the soccer event, the Patron of the club and Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), Amb. Edewor Egedegbe said that the initiative was geared towards promoting spirit of love, unity and sportsmanship among members of the football club and youths in Uvwie, which would subsequently cascade to the larger society.
Amb. Egedegbe noted that “football has become a money spinning venture and formidable tool for promoting peace and unity and socio-economic well-being of society.”
He called on sports administrators and heads of governments to fucus on developing grassroots football in order to discover talents that will represent the country in international competition, saying that “Warri and Uvwie are hubs of talented players waiting to be harnessed.”
Continuing, he charged youths of Uvwie to shun all forms of social vices and channel their energy, vibrancy and innovation into meaningful and productive ventures like football, other sports, and legitimate ventures.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the novelty match, Comrade Isreal Arigbe described the event as an initiative that demonstrates love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in Uvwie LGA.
He said, “This event is more than a football match; it is a celebration of unity, friendship and sheer commitment to promoting peace in Uvwie through sports. ”
He added, “Football is a unifying tool to promote peace, social cohesion; it’s a powerful platform that brings people together; it breaks ethnic, social, religious, and cultural barriers that hamper unity and weaken communal bonds.
“We are gathered at this football arena to reinforce that bond as one united family and indivisible people and community”.
Continuing, Comrade Isreal sincerely appreciated the contribution of Tantita Security Services towards societal development, and the leadership prowess of the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Ofoni which has significantly improved the economic and social well-being of the people of Uvwie in recent times.
He expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors of the soccer event, comprising Jolomi Global Services, Teddy Luxury, Lotorious Hotel, Silver Ofugara foundation, Uvwie United DC and Hapi International Global Service.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, commended the organisers of the competition, saying, “This initiative is a practical approach to promote lasting peace and unity among members of the football club, the youths and the larger society”.
He strongly emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace, and ensuring security of lives and property in and around Uvwie Local Government Area.
Hon. Ofoni highlighted his administration’s programmes and policies targeted at promoting peace and grassroots development, assuring he would support any initiatives aimed at sustaining the prevailing peace in Uvwie and socio-economic well-being of the people.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of the newly created Effurun Area command, ACP. Aliyu Shaba, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station, CSP Temi Agbede-Zuokumor, hailed the organisers of the soccer event for the brilliant initiative to promote peaceful through football competitions.
They expressed the need for a synergy between police and community leaders in order to curb crime in Uvwie LGA and sustain a peaceful society, noting that, “Communities thrive when there is a collaboration between community people and police in a manner that builds trust, which are core tenets of community policing.
The soccer event ended with both sides scoring one goal each, resulting in a tie.
Part of the activities that climaxed the Maracana United FC Annual Novelty Match was a visit to Great Kids Orphanage by members of the club, during which foodstuffs and toiletries were donated to the home for the upkeep of the children.
Other highpoint of the soccer event was presentation of award to personalities and institutions. The awardees include: Hon. Kelly Otuedor; Hon. Chief Solomon Igbrakpata; Hon. Chief Anthony Ofoni; Hon. Engr. Silver Ofugara; Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Teddy Luxury; Hapis International Global Nigeria Limited; Security Education Advocates; ACP. Aliyu Shaba; Mr. Smith Ovie Adohe; Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe; and the Disciplinary Committee – Uvwie United.
DONATION TO CHARITY: VISIT TO ORPHANAGE
Part of the activities that climaxed the Maracana United FC Annual Novelty Match was a visit to Great Kids Orphanage by members of the club, during which foodstuffs and toiletries were donated to the home for the upkeep of the children.
