By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governorship Candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the 2019 general election, Pastor Donatus Obi-Ozoemena, on Monday pledged to showcase local football stars to the global soccer scene.

“I want our grassroots football stars to have opportunities to explore the possibility of taking up an international football career,” Obi-Ozoemena said in his virtual address during the kick-off of the maiden edition of his sponsored football tournament.

The Obi-Ozoemena sponsored football tournament, tagged: “2021/2022 Enugu State Unity Cup Football Tournament”, would be played by grassroots football teams from the 17 council areas in the state.

The matches in the tournament would be played at the Onoli Stadium, christened ‘Sansiro Stadium’, Awgu; while the tournament would run to January, 2022.

He also assured that he would continue to expand his humanitarian support across the state in his concerted effort to narrow the gaps created by poverty and insufficient democracy dividends.

“Our resolve and consistency in touching lives, communities and organisations transcend beyond politics, borders and tribes. Even in the United States, our unwavering humanitarian efforts are loud and firm.

“During the 2020/2021 edition of De Governor’s Cup/Scholarships Awards, we extended scholarship support to 30 Awgu Local Government indigenes.

“When Enugu experienced acute scarcity of portable water earlier this year, we quickly rolled-out free safe water distribution scheme and served truckloads of drinking water to communities and parts of Enugu metropolis including Independence Layout, Abakpa-Nike and Railway Quarters, among others.

“We as well assisted the people of Nome community with several truckloads of free portable water supply when their only source of water supply got contaminated,” the philanthropist noted.

On the football tournament, Obi-Ozoemena appreciated the planning committee led by Mr Cyndia Okafor and urged all the participating teams to play with love and abide by the rules of the game as outlined by the organisers.

Meanwhile, the inaugural ceremony received a large crowd of football spectators.

The opening march which was between Igbo-Eze South council team and Igbo-Eze North council team, both from Enugu North Senatorial Zones of the state, ended in 1 – 1 draw.

Speaking to journalists after the match, the Coordinator of the tournament, Mr Cyndia Okafor described the march as a ‘good start’ and congratulated both teams for displaying good soccer skills and sprit of sportsmanship.

It would be recalled that Obi-Ozoemena runs various charity schemes in conjunction with his wife, Pastor Happiness Obi-Ozoemena.

The schemes included educational scholarships, free distribution of food items, cash and portable water to needy individuals, churches and communities.