Igbanke (Orhionmwon) – Members of Igbanke National Progressive Association, Organisers of annual Igbanke community football tournament tagged’ Igbanke unity cup have been commended for their contributions to community development through grassroots football competition sponsorship and social mobilisation.

Edo state Deputy Governor Rt Hon Philip Shaibu made the commendation during the final match of 2017 Igbanke unity cup between Oligie and Ake-Igbanke communities which the later won 3 – 2 via penalty shootout.

The deputy governor who watched the entire football match,urged the sponsors of the tournament,a social cultural group led by Barr Gloria Adagbon to sustain the good work they have started,restating the state government commitment to support grassroots sports development.

“I commend your efforts in giving back to your community. Most of you left your base in Europe and America to do this for your people in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. These are the things we want our people, especially professionals and those blessed in their various fields of endeavour to be doing to help foster the unity and spontaneous cooperation of the people.” He explained.

Speaking after the match,president of the Igbanke national progressive association Mrs Gloria Adagbon who thanked the deputy governor for honoring their invitation,said they decided to invest in community football championship primarily to foster unity among the people.

According to her,” we need cooperation in Igbanke for us to move forward. The issue bad roads which made it difficult for people to access our community had been solved by Oshiomhole administration,that is left to be done is for them to promote unity among themselves. We decided to start with football competition because we know the importance of sports as a unifying factor. We are adding youth economic empowerment to the football competition to assist our people,foster unity and project Igbanke to the outside world,” she stressed.

The community football match went into extra time after a barren ninety minutes regulation time before the shootout which ended 3 – 2 in favour of Ake-Igbanke.

Ottah, Idumuodin, Omolua and Igbontor communities were among the eight teams that participated in the unity cup tourney.