By Onwa Ekor
In commemoration of the annual Obudu New Yam festival, the Chief of Protocol to the Chairman of Obudu local government area in Cross River, Mr. Julius Akem, recently organized a community-based football competition.
He also distributed food items and other valuables to 150 widows in Ohong village, Begiading ward of the area.
Akem who spoke to newsmen before the kick off said the initiative was his own way of contributing to community development while promoting sportsmanship among young people.
He explained that the Obudu New Yam festival represents not only cultural pride but, a platform to strengthen bonds across the local government area
.
On the items to over 150 women, the sponsor remarked that it was a gesture of love and support during the festive season to women who nature has turned to emergency breadwinners of their respective families.
Applauding the gesture, Pastor Godwin Abegim of Team-AG commended the donor for remembering the grassroots especially women, during the celebration.
Beneficiaries of the food outreach in separate interviews, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
In his remarks, the Obudu Council Chairman, Hon. Peter Undiandeye, commended Akem for his thoughtfulness and initiative, pointing out that the event aligns with the administration’s commitment for community empowerment, youth development and cultural preservation.
The well-attended event held at the RCM Central primary school Ohong, featured a novelty football match between selected youth teams (Team AG & Team Catholic Church) drawn from the community, a development which rounded off with the presentation of trophies, medals and cash to the participating teams by the Council Chairman.
