The leading power generation business in Nigeria, Egbin Power Plc, has highlighted the importance of youth and community development by providing a forum for young people to display their abilities and strengthening community ties.
This was made clear at the 2nd Egbin Power Plc Community Football Tournament, which was organized as a part of the business’s initiatives to support the growth of sports in the Egbin, Ijede, and Ipakan host communities.
The company’s Head of Corporate Communication & Branding, Felix Ofulue, spoke at the 2023 edition finals held at Ipakan Community Stadium, Ikorodu. He explained that the goal of the football competition was to encourage youth participation, promote sport development, and strengthen the sense of camaraderie among residents of the host communities.
“At Egbin Power Plc, we are committed to championing youth and community development in our host communities. What we have seen at this year’s edition of the competition was very impressive, with the huge turn-out of spectators, quality of talents featured and cooperation among the young people that formed the various teams.
“No doubt, the competition provided opportunities for them to bond and also showcase their skills. And we are excited that the tournament recorded high success. We congratulate the winners, and all the teams that participated thereby showing sportsmanship and making the competition very colourful. We believe that youths in these communities possess the abilities to realise their potentials. At Egbin Power Plc we are excited to provide this platform for them to thrive,” Ofulue noted.
Peter Rufai, a former Nigerian international goalkeeper who attended the finals as a special guest, praised Egbin Power Plc for starting the competition as a means of fostering community sport development.
He said:
“Indeed, this programme by Ebin Power Plc is laudable. I am deeply honoured to be part of this initiative that is aimed at promoting youth and sport development in Nigeria. I commend the company and urge them to keep it up, as it offers bright hope for talents that we have seen in the competition.”
Alagura Football Club (FC) defeated Igbopa FC 2 to 0. Sterling Boys Ipakan finished third following an exciting match that ended in a 6 to 2 result against Oke-Eletu FC. The winners took home a N1,000,000 cash reward, while the runners-up took home N700,000 and N500,000, respectively.
Chief Mustapha Lasisi, the Baale of Ipakan, praised the GenCo for its support of the growth of youth and sports in the host villages.
He said:
“Through this second edition, the company has demonstrated its interest in promoting unity, growth and development of our communities. We are grateful for the success of this tournament and we urge the company to keep investing and promoting youth and sport development.”
The finals was graced by royal fathers from the host communities, while thousands of spectators came to cheer the teams.
A total of 16 football clubs drawn from different towns in the host communities featured in the 2023 edition. Other football teams that took part in the competition were: Egbin Diamond FC, Oko-Ope FC, Alannu-Omo FC, Egbin Classical FC, New Generation FC, Igbe-Ogunro FC, Ebute Olowo, Egbin Diamond FC, Abule-Eko FC, Ajeri Boys, Dragon Ipakan and Ajede FC.
