•NNPC/TEPNG commits to peace & talent devt in OML 58 communities 

Obagi FC have emerged the winners of the final of the  22nd edition of the OML58 Host Communities Football Tournament which held  at Obite Civic Centre yesterday.

Obagi defeated Akabta FC 1-0 at the end of the explosive encounter.

Obinna Godstime of Obagi FC emerged as the Best Player of the tournament while Michael Charles of Oboburu FC was the second Best Player.

18 teams participated in this year’s tournament. They include; Odiemerenyi, Rumuekpe, Abarikpo, Idu, Ubeta, Obagi, Erema, Ede, Ihuaje, Oboburu, Obieyebe, Ubio, Amah, Akabta, Ibewa, Ogbogu, Akabuka and Ubarama football clubs.

The tournament jointly sponsored by the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture is for the  promotion of peace and talent development in OML 58 host communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking at the final, the Deputy Managing Director, Joint Venture Asset, TotalEnergies, Mr. Olivier Cassassoles, said the developmental goal of this year’s tournament informed its theme: “Playing for Peace and Promoting Talents”.

According to him “This football competition is more than just a game; it is a unique investment in the youths who are the future of our host communities. It is also an investment in the identification and promotion of talents. This competition stands as a testimony to the time-tested relationship between the NNPC/ TEPNG Joint Venture and our host communities. 

“Continuing this tradition despite the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act which places priority on host communities development trust shows the level of commitment and regard that the company has for its host communities, and sports development,” he said.

The DMD, JV Asset, Cassassoles, disclosed that while the three best players of the last tournament are currently being sponsored in a football academy, two best players from this year’s tournament will also be sponsored to the same academy with the hope that they will transform into international players in the near future.

A representative of NNPC, Usman Bello, expressed the corporation’s satisfaction to identify with the talent-development initiative.

“We’re proud to be part of this tournament which promotes peace and talent development,” he said.

Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Shedrach Chukwu, thanked TotalEnergies for organising the tournament over the years but expressed regret that no player from the tournament has been sponsored to international club level.

Hopeson Dike, representing Obagi Oil Field community, commended the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture for organizing the tournament and also for sustaining it in the past 22 years, noting that it has helped to deepen peaceful co-existence in their communities.