Hope Rises in Osumenyi as Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation Flags Off Regional Football Tournament
By Uche Nnabuchi, Nnewi
Osumenyi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State recently witnessed a surge of youthful energy and communal excitement as the Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation flagged off a grassroots football tournament designed to empower youths, foster unity and discourage social vices.
The competition, which features 18 teams from 15 communities drawn from Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas, is part of the Foundation’s growing intervention to reposition youth engagement and community development through sports.
Speaking at the well-attended opening ceremony, founder and philanthropist, Kingsley Obiukwu, noted that the competition goes beyond football,it is a strategic effort to redirect youth focus toward productive ventures while promoting development at the grassroots.
“Too often, people chase after money, but real impact comes from building the community. This tournament is a platform to build values, character, and hope,” he said.
Match Commissioner, Collins Ozigbo, while commending the vision of the Foundation, described Obiukwu as a selfless leader with a passion for meaningful development. He praised the initiative, saying it complements the Foundation’s wider commitment to medical outreaches, empowerment programmes, and community services.
Also speaking, the Foundation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Sir Maxwell Agbasi, said the competition has generated strong interest across the participating LGAs. He emphasized that the Foundation remains focused on nurturing talent and fostering peace through engagement.
In his own remarks, Dr. John Paul Onyekineso described the initiative as timely, especially given the monetary incentives accompanying the competition. He revealed that the first prize winner will receive ₦3 million, while the second and third teams will go home with ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million, respectively. Additionally, each team will receive a ₦75,000 match bonus for participation.
The tournament, which has quickly become the talk of the region, is expected to run for several weeks and will conclude with a grand finale celebrating not just sporting talent but also communal unity, leadership and hope for a better tomorrow.
