Imo PDP Launches Statewide Soccer Tourney for Talent Hunt, Youth Development

As Party Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment, Rural Transformation — Eburuaja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter, has announced readiness for the commencement of its statewide football competition organized to hunt and support talents, as well as encourage youth development in the State.

The multimillion-naira football fiesta tagged: “Imo PDP Football Tournament” will kick off on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with the opening match between Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA and Ikeduru LGA.

Twenty-seven (27) teams drawn from the 27 local government areas of the State will compete for the coveted trophy.

The teams are grouped into eight (8). There are two (2) groups of three (3) teams each from Okigwe Zone, three (3) groups of three (3) teams each from Owerri Zone, and three (3) groups of four (4) teams each from Orlu Zone.

The winners of each group after the first round (group stage) will advance to the quarter-final, which will be played between March 31 and April 2, 2026. The group games will be staged at designated hitch-free centres across the State.

Addressing reporters after the handover of complete sets of jerseys and kits to the 27 teams through the LGA PDP Youth Leaders, the State Youth Leader, Hon. Eburuaja Ndubueze, expressed delight that after a period of rigorous planning, the competition is set to kick off.

Eburuaja firmly stated that youth empowerment and talent development were at the core of the football tournament, adding that the current leadership of the party in the State prioritizes the capacity building and empowerment of youths and women.

He added that the competition will foster unity, peace and community engagement across the State.

He commended the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu; the State Secretary, Engr. Gerry Ogoko; and the entire members of the State Working Committee (SWC) for throwing their weight behind the noble idea.

He reserved special commendations for the leader of the party in Imo State, Dist. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who, according to him, demonstrated again his immense interest in the transformation and future of youths with undiluted support for the actualisation of the soccer programme.

In his remarks at the handover ceremony, the State Chairman, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, represented by the State Secretary, Engr. Gerry Ogoko, commended the Youth Leader for his result-driven and transparent leadership.

The Chairman advised members of the organising committee and the LGA Youth Leaders to strongly back the Youth Leader to achieve a peaceful, hitch-free, and impactful tournament.

He pledged the continuing support and loyalty of his administration to programmes and initiatives that promote youth development and rural transformation.

The event was attended by members of the State Working Committee, including the State Secretary, Engr. Gerry Ogoko; the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lancelot Obiaku; the State Vice Chairman (Okigwe), Chief Amb. Chuks Ajaelu; the State Vice Chairman (Orlu), Hon. Karl Nwokeoma; and the State Vice Chairman (Owerri), Hon. Geoffrey Ihentuge.

Also present were the zonal Youth Leaders of Okigwe, Owerri, and Orlu; Comr. Izuchukwu Ugochukwu; Comr. Ibe Chijioke; and Comr. Uche Emelu, respectively.

The eight groups are as follows:

GROUP A:

Ikeduru L.G.A

Mbaitoli L.G.A

Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A

GROUP B:

Nkwerre L.G.A

Isu L.G.A

Njaba L.G.A

Nwangele L.G.A

GROUP C:

Ihitte/Uboma L.G.A

Obowo L.G.A

Ehime Mbano L.G.A

GROUP D:

Owerri-West L.G.A

Owerri-North L.G.A

Owerri Municipal

GROUP E:

Orsu L.G.A

Orlu L.G.A

Ideato North L.G.A

Ideato South L.G.A

GROUP F:

Isiala Mbano L.G.A

Okigwe L.G.A

Onuimo L.G.A

GROUP G:

Aboh Mbaise L.G.A

Ngor Okpala L.G.A

Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A

GROUP H:

Oguta L.G.A

Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A

Oru West

Oru East L.G.A

Power to the People!

Signed:

Lancelot Obiaku

State Publicity Secretary

PDP, Imo State

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