
PEACE, UNITY AND PASSION FOUND A COMMON GROUND AT THE DAVID UDONSEK GRASSROOT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FINAL
The atmosphere was energetic and keenly electrifying at the just concluded DAVID UDONSEK GRASSROOT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT held at the pitch of the Akpabio Udo Ukpa Stadium, Abat, Onna local government area.
The tournament which was organized to further deepen the message of peace, love and unity, as well as harness fresh talents within the local government that can be honed for future competitions and tournaments had dignitaries drawn from the political class, sports enclave, academia and indeed all lovers of peace.
The month long tournament had teams from all the political wards that makes up Onna competing keenly for the coveted cup, however, the finals had Oniong East Ward 2 battling with Awa Ward 6 and ended on a 1:0 score line with Oniong East 2 emerging as the winner and champions of this year’s tournament.
According to the sponsor of the tournament, Ven. David Udonsek, the tournament has the primary goal of deepening the bond of brotherhood and love that exists across the clans and wards that makes up Onna local government. Its aim is not only to produce champions but to further exemplify the maintenance of peace as prescribed by His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel—our amiable governor and big brother. He added that, no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, chaos and disunity.
Ven. David Udonsek has been a man of unparalleled humanitarian and philanthropic deposition. He has, even in recent time imprinted his name in the lips of many for his many humanitarian gestures split across the villages and tiers of Onna local government and beyond. He had rescued communities from blackout by providing Electric Transformers, Installed pipe borne portable water projects, sponsor youth capacity development training, skills acquisition, women empowerment (business grants) to mention but a few.
In his speech, Ven. Udonsek thanked the very distinguished guest , Rt. Hon. Patrick Ifon, all Partners, the Local Organizing Committee, Teams that participated, Coaches, Referees, Engr. Kingsley Jeremiah (donated prize money for the Highest Goal Scorer and Highest Assist), Engr. Etuk Johnny (donated the golden gloves award), the Media and indeed all hands that contributed to the success of this year’s tournament and pledged to remain consistent to the furtherance of peace and it maintenance thereof.
Meanwhile, spectators were full of high praises to the sponsor, Ven. David Udonsek, praying that the good Lord blesses him and grant him the enablement to build greater bridges that will breed more peace.
Highpoint of the 2021 edition of the David Udonsek Grassroot Football Tournament was the presentation of medals, and cups to the highest goal scorer (Godwin Friday of Oniong East 2 with u goals), Highest Assist (Iko-Obong Ekpeyo of Awa Ward 4), Best Goalkeeper (Nsikan Samuel of Oniong East 2 who conceded no goal throughout the tournament), and the team who qualified and played the third, second and first places in that order.
Gold Cup – Oniong East 2
Silver Cup – Awa Ward 6
Bronze Cup – Oniong West 4.
Dignitaries that watched the final encounter include Hon. Patrick Ifon, Member representing Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency; Obong Sunny Udonsek, Obong Uforo 1 of Ibibio Kingdom/Political Leader of Oniong East 2; Dr. Godwin Noah, Medical Director Akwa Ibom State; Obongawan Regina Udonsek, State Officer of PDP Akwa Ibom State; Obong (Barr) Ubong Adiakpan, Chapter Chairman of PDP Onna; Hon. Nda Nda, Football Association Chairman Onna; Mr. Ubong Udonsek, CEO Brietz Group of Companies; Rt. Hon. Nsikan Akpan, Councillor representing Oniong West 3; Hon. Gabriel Sambo, Councillor representing Oniong West 4; Hon. Iniobong Victor, councillor representing Oniong East 2; Hon. Kingsley Johnny Vice President Football Association Onna; Hon. Sunday Benjamin, immediate past Deputy Leader Onna Legislative Assembly; Hon. Emmanuel Ekpeyo; Hon. Dickson Sam, Vice President Coastal Allstars FC Onna, and Hon. Anietie Ekpa.
Others included Deacon Wisdom Micheal, PDP Ward Chairman Awa Ward 4; Evangelist Abraham Duff, PDP Ward Chairman Awa 6; Preacher Aniefiok Ikot, Secondary School Tutor; Mr. Ita Ekpoh, Director of Schools Local Education Authority Onna; Akparawa Austine Ette, immediate past Chapter Secretary of PDP Onna; Hon. Udo Sunday Mark, Engr. Samuel Ben Akpan, Ward Coordinator of PDP Oniong West 3 and Comrade Ama Umana Ntia, PDP Ward Chairman Oniong East 2 to mention but a few.
The Local Organizing Committee had seasoned sport administrators in the mould of Comrade Nda Udonsek; Prince Ubong Akpan, PDP Chairman of forum of Ward Chairmen in Onna; Mr. Itiat Itiat Christopher, Lecturer Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic/Secretary Coastal Allstars FC; Comrade Idongesit Evans, President Forum of Security Outfit in Onna; Comrade Christopher Jimmy, Team Manager Onna Tigers/President Ikot Akpatek Community; Comrade Ufot Friday, and Mr Benedict Jackreece as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Medical Director, Technical Director, Director of Mobilization and Media Director respectively. Other members of the Local Organizing Committee include Comrade Ubong Udonsek Jnr., Comrade Friday Akpan and Comrade Abasiama Jim.
It was indeed a tournament to look out for come next Yuletide season as every team had a consolation prize for participation.















