Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. at the closing ceremony of the Anambra State U13/U17 Academicals held at St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu, Anambra State said that sport is a strong element in youth development…

“Since sport is a very strong element in youth development, we felt we needed to partner with the state to make sure we get this competition going strongly.”

“You can see what happened here today and I think that it was really an international standard show they put up. We are proud to have supported that and we are looking forward to continuing this support.”

The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Nkem Okeke, who represented the governor, Chief Willie Obiano, said that the competition was a demonstration of the governor’s belief and commitment towards advancing the cause of the youth in the state.

“We have all had a wonderful day seeing these kids show their skills in football. You can see the enthusiasm of these kids.”

He commended Fidelity Bank for sponsoring the tournament, noting that the presence of the managing director of the bank at the finals showed the commitment of the bank to the initiative.

He called on other corporate organisations to take a cue from Fidelity and sponsor other events.

“It is not just football that we play here. There are other games like basketball, tennis, whatever, they can be involved in organising these and I know we have the players in Anambra.”

Meanwhile, Central School, Ekwulobia defeated Eri Primary School three goals to one, to win the U13 trophy and a cash prize of N500,000.

In the U17 category, Community Secondary school, Uga beat Metropolitan College, Onitsha 3-2 to win the trophy and cash prize of N1m.