Ekah Sustainable Football for Peace and Harmony, Bangem 2024, first edition has kicked off in Bangem.
The long awaited holiday jamboree was launched on Sunday July 14, 2024 at Paul Biya Stadium Bangem, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub Division, Dairou Saly.
In his word of welcome, the 1st Deputy Mayor of Bangem Council, Enongene Epie Manga lauded the Cup Donor, Ekah Benjamin alias Grand Benji for opening a new page in Bangem soccer.
He thanked God for the peace that reign in Bangem and prayed that the competition shall be successful to the end.
The Divisional Delegate of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Kupe Muanenguba, Ekukolle Eric Ekane appreciated the youths for turning out massively for the inter-quarters launching. He unveiled packages that his service is offering to youths during holidays and called on the youths to effectively take part in the events.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the stadium, Ekah thanked God for the hard earned peace in Bangem which should be sustained. “Let’s cherish God for peace. Bangem is a place loved by God. God’s Blessings is in Bangem”. The Cup Donor disclosed.
To the participating teams, Ekah cautioned that football is a fair game and not war. He said at the end of the competition, all the players should be ready to embrace each other as a sign of friendship.
He told players and match officials to respect the rules of the game and for teams to accept defeat without cause for alarm.
Local Talents
The Cup donor assured the population that in the course of the competition, he will bring personalities to Bangem to detect talented footballers for investment and development. He said this will help to sustain football and sports in Bangem Sub Division.
Speaking to The Ultimate at the end of the 90th minutes of the opening match between Chambers FC and Friends of Friends FC, that ended 2:1 in favor of Chambers FC, Ekah rejoiced that he enjoyed good football in Bangem.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Charles Bate Bechem, Parish Priest of Ave Maria Parish Bangem blessed the field and all participating teams, praying for a successful competition.
Participating Teams
It should be noted that ten teams are participating in this year’s competition. They include; Mbu FC, Chambers FC, Muakwe FC, Mbuku FC, Friends of Friends FC, Qatar FC, Apple Boys FC, Royal FC of Ndibsi, Ekaku FC and Santos of Mbat FC.
The two million (2.000.000) FCFA inter-quarters competition is expected to end on August 24, 2024.
By Olive Ejang
