Ekpemupolo explains rationale behind Delta State Councillors’ Solidarity Cup

The Chairman of Delta State Councillors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo Idukedoumene Samuel, says Delta State Councillors’ Solidarity Cup, was initiated to strengthen the bond amongst Councillors in the 25 Local Government Councils in the State and promote peace, youth engagement as well as community development.

Fresh Angle International, can report that Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo, who is also the Leader of Warri South-West Legislative Arm, gave the explanation in Warri, Tuesday March 10, during the opening football match of the maiden Delta State Councillors’ Solidarity Cup.

Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo, who was among players of Warri South-West Football team that tackled their Warri South counterparts in the opening fixture, said the tournament is a symbol of unity, solidarity, and friendship among councillors across Delta State.

He noted that through initiatives like Delta State Councillors’ Solidarity Cup, Councillors demonstrate that leadership at the grassroots, is not only about legislation, but about unity, empowerment and building stronger communities.

“Let me sincerely appreciate the visionary and purposeful leadership of our performing Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori. Across our state today, the impact of his administration is visible through the implementation of the MORE Agenda, which continues to deliver meaningful development, infrastructure, and opportunities for our people. As councillors who represent the grassroots, we can proudly attest that this administration has continued to recognize the importance of inclusive governance and grassroots participation.

Players of Warri South Local Government Council football team

“At the national level, we also acknowledge the leadership of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope agenda is focused on strengthening the Nigerian economy and laying the foundation for long-term national growth and stability.

“My honorable colleagues and fellow Deltans, there is a growing need for stronger cooperation, collaboration and mutual respect among all tiers of government.

Players of Warri South-West Local Government Council football team

“Councillors must continue to be recognized as key partners in governance, because sustainable development can only be achieved when grassroots leadership is empowered and actively involved in decision-making processes.

“As grassroots leaders, we reaffirm today that councillors across Delta State will continue to stand firmly with this administration and support the progressive leadership that is delivering results for our people.

Front Row: L-R: Mr. Emma Amiwero, Mr. Victor Agbateyiniro, Chief Favour Izuokumor, Chief Ogbona Joel, Dr. Michael Tidi & another eminent personality

“This opening match between Warri South and Warri South West is also very unique and, I dare say, divinely orchestrated. At a time when discussions about ethnic differences sometimes dominate conversations in - Warri, what we see here today tells a different and more powerful story. The teams you see on this field are made up of councillors who are Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos, yet today they stand not as separate ethnic groups but as one team with one purpose. Here on this field, they are not divided by ethnicity but united by a common goal, to play together, win together, and demonstrate that our diversity is our strength.

Comr. Agbateyiniro, after receiving reward for the MVP, from Chief Izuokumor

“No matter how talented an individual may be, victory can only come through unity, cooperation, and collective effort. In the same way, the peace, development, and prosperity of Warri and Delta State, can only be achieved when we work together beyond ethnic lines for the benefit of our people and the progress of our society.

“This Solidarity Cup therefore goes beyond football; it is a celebration of unity, leadership, and the collective strength of councillors across Delta State. It is also an opportunity to inspire our youths and demonstrate that leadership at the grassroots can bring people together for peace, understanding, and development.

“I encourage all participating teams to play with discipline, sportsmanship, and the spirit of unity that defines us as leaders and representatives of our people.

“Continues voters card registration is on going, for those who do not have, please endeavor to register, your vote is your right”, Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo, asserted.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, in his remarks, revealed how he assured the organizers that there would be no need for security trucks at each venue of the games in the tournament, because the state is already enjoying the E component of the More Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which is Enhanced peace and security.

Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, speaking

The Executive Director of Social Services, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. (Chief) Favour Izoukumor, who spoke during the colourful ceremony, stated that what the councillors demonstrated during the first game between Warri South and Warri South-West, shows that leadership in most cases, starts from the grassroots.

Chief Favour Izuokumor, speaking

“The tournament is to promote peace, unity and love within, not just Warri, but the whole 25 local government councils in Delta State. As we all know, peace, unity and love, are the cardinal points of our governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“I want to thank all the leaders in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North as well as other Deltans in Nigeria. This peace that we have started today, it will replicate across the LGAs so that the desired dream of a Unified delta will be achieved. For the Warris, this has demonstrated that irrespective of our tribal difference, we are one, we are United and we will continue to live in unity”, Chief Izoukumor, emphasized.

The immediate past Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Ejueyitsi Tidi Esq., noted that the importance of football can not be overemphasized, saying sports bring about friendship, engagement and development, “which is one of the cardinal points of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s More Agenda.”

Dr. Michael Tidi

While charging the Councillors to sustain the tempo, Dr. Tidi, said: “I pray this model would be so much engraved in the heart of leadership in the state, to ensure that not only football, but other sports will be introduced in the state.

“This tournament will further bring Deltans together, so that peace, unity and development will be enshrined in our state.”

Photo/Video Credit: Juliet Nkanteen

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