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Grassroots football academy in Benue honours Ugboho for youth empowerment

By Our Reporter

A frontline football academy in Sankera axis of Benue State, Afia Football International Academy, (AFIA) yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital fetes a Sankera borne philanthropist, community mobilizer and humanitarian, Engr. Jerome Imoter Ugboho for outstanding service to humanity and youth development.

The Academy, renowned for taking youth off the streets also hosts annual tournament across three local governments in the state and Abuja, FCT. The President of the Academy, Comrade Terpase Dooga said the tournament is already in its tenth edition.

Addressing the gathering before conferment of the award, Dooga who traced the origin of the tournament and the academy pointed out that, the idea was mooted for sole aim of giving youths in the villages and urban centers across Sankera a platform to express their soccer talents, and get uplifted.

He explained that, since inception, the Academy has identified with few illustrious sons and daughters of Sankera who have been empowering the youths. He noted that, the humanitarian works, and empowerment inroads being carried out by Ugboho cannot go unrewarded. He urged the awardee to see the honor as a token of encouragement to do more.

“You’re a youth and you love the youths. You have empowered many, nurture them, and even provide a shoulder for them to lean on. We are proud of you. Though you are far away from home, but you keep constant touches. Many in our communities have given testimonies of how you have impacted positively in their lives. This award is not only meant to encourage you to do more, but to motivate others to emulate your philanthropic gesture, especially to the youths,” Dooga said.

Fascinated by the honour bestowed on him, Engr. Ugboho said he is overwhelmed. He stated that giving back to the society is a preoccupation that is sine-qua-non to societal development. He promised to continue to do his best.

“I have not started what I have in mind to do for my people. The only way God will be happy with me for the privileges I enjoy in life is to give back to the society in my little way I can. That is why you see me keep doing what I do. I wish I have more capacity to do more.

“I am happy that today, I have been associated with a project that taking youths away from crime and criminality in Sankera. I have already started fine-tuning ways to take the academy to global theatre, God’s willing. I will support this noble cause” he stated.

It is said that a prophet is not honoured among his people, but for Ugboho, this popular saying seems not to be biting, as his humanitarian gesture has endeared him several recognitions and awards by his people.

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