HOHF LEADERSHIP AND PEACE BUILDING FOOTBALL COMPETITION
Cross section of some participants
Erdoo Due
House of Hilkiah Foundation (HOHF) in a quest to foster peace, development and leadership among youth, organized a football competition, featuring male and female under-18 football teams from different parts of the country. The third edition of the tournament commenced Saturday, 6th November,2021 with screening and accreditation of participating teams.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Government Model College Makurdi, the Executive Director HOHF-Dorothy Akende appreciated all participants present, most especially the team coaches for coordinating their teams in preparation for the competition. She said, “I want to appreciate my partners and sponsors for supporting the under-18 tournament aimed at enhancing growth and development among youth, peace-building, gender equality, social cohesion and curtailing hate speech. I must say, it is a thing of joy having the female teams to participate, this has not being the case previously. It is my hope that, this opportunity gives a sense of belonging and promotes social cohesion among youth as they belong to different tribes and religious backgrounds. All teams should be of good conduct and put in their best to emerge successful.”
Tavershima Jekele-coach of FETI FC Makurdi said the tournament is a plus to HOHF towards youth empowerment. He said, “the past two tournaments have been successful, my team participated but without victory. I have not given up that is why we are here this year again. This year’s tournament has come with a different drill for my boys and we hope for victory. It is my expectation that this year’s competition just like the previous ones will enjoy fair officiating.”
During the leadership and peace building session
Gideon Monday Libati, head coach of MSHEL Football Academy Abuja and defending champions expressed so much readiness to emerge victorious again he said, “we have come again for this peace tournament, a good idea put up by HOHF which has taken a lot of youth off the streets while providing networking opportunities for them. Last year we were here and emerged victorious in various capacities; we went home with the trophy and a cash price of 50,000 naira. I was awarded the best coach; my goal keeper was also awarded the best goal keeper. After the tournament, 6 of my team players were signed up by better teams, due to the limelight from the tournament. I still hope to win this year. Although with a younger gas cord, I won’t stop participating so long as the tournament is hosted.”
Felicia Anthony-Honey, Badgers Coach on her part expressed satisfaction with the accreditation and screening exercise. She said, “I have never seen such thorough screening as this one, the players look actually under 18 and the number of participating teams a fair pair. My team is sponsored by Bar. Paul Ede and we have done a lot so far. Even though it is a female team, we play the men down and this tournament will not be an exception. I trust the capability of my girls, we will emerge victorious against all odds” she emphasized.
According to Aondover Joseph, a player with Undaunted Football Academy, “this tournament is a good one and gives us an opportunity to showcase our hidden talents, most especially in Benue state while exposing us to better opportunities. Last year my team lost out in the quarter finals but this year the story will be different. I also hope to be signed up for a better team through this tournament.”
HOHF Peace and Leadership football competition kick starts formally on Tuesday 9th November,2021, fostering Gender equality, equal opportunity, peace building and Leadership at its peak.
