Delta State governorship candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was at the head of the cream of dignitaries that graced the final of the 8th edition of the Utuama Peace Cup Tournament, 2014, on New Year’s Day.

The grand finale of the grassroots football tourney between defending champions Royal Eagles FC of Oleh and the Warri Wolves Feeders FC took place at the Otu Jeremi Mini Stadium with the latter emerging champions through a penalty shootout of 6-5 after a goalless full time. For the Warri boys, it was sweet revenge as they were denied the trophy last year by the Royal Eagles who had beaten them one nil.

The champions went home with a cash reward of one million naira apart from and the tourney’s giant cup, while the runners-up and the third best team also went home with cash rewards and medals. There were sundry awards for the Best Goalkeeper, the Most Valuable Player (MVP), the Best Tournament Fan and the Sports Ambassador Award to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa by the Utuama Peace Cup Organizing Committee.

The grand finale was attended by top politicians and other dignitaries across the state. Among them were former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Brig Gen Dominic Oneya; former Senior Special Political Adviser to the Governor and now Delta Central PDP senatorial candidate, Chief Ighoyota Amori; former state PDP Chairman, Dr. Pius Sinebe; former Acting Governor and State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi; Chief Barr. Charles Ufuoma Obule; BOT member of the PDP, Chief (Mrs.) Judith Enamuotor; Olorogun John Oguma; and Chief Safia, among others.

The Utuama Peace Cup Football Tournament is an initiative of the Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, to discover talents, build them up and position them for better opportunities and so promote peace and unity among the youths and communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta Central and the entire state.

According to Prof. Utuama, “This gesture is in line with the Three-Point Agenda of the State Government which is geared towards reducing crime rate and youth restiveness by engaging them in constructive and productive ventures.

•Photo shows Prof Utuama, SAN, (left) present the winners’ trophy to the caption of Warri Wolves Feeders to draw the curtain on the 8th Utuama Peace Cup Football Tournament at Otu Jeremi Mini Stadium on New Year’s Day.