The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reinforced his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development by announcing substantial cash rewards at the grand finale of the Hon. Blessing Onuh @50 Football Tournament held in Otukpo.
Represented by his Deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, the Governor announced cash prizes totaling N1.6 million for the winning and runner-up teams at the championship match between Otukpo Township Ward 1 and Ochobo Ward of Ohimini Local Government Area, which took place at Jesus College, Otukpo. The tournament, organized to celebrate the 50th birthday of Hon. Blessing Onuh, Member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, attracted prominent political leaders and stakeholders, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Musa Ujor; APC Chairman in Otukpo LGA, Comrade Adah Collins Nart; APC Zonal Youth Leader, Rt. Comrade John Acha, and several other dignitaries.
In a show of support, APC Benue South Senatorial Candidate Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo donated N250,000 to the runners-up, while Hon. Mike Audu contributed N100,000 to encourage participating teams. The Deputy Governor further announced an additional N1 million for the champions and N600,000 for the runners-up on behalf of Governor Alia.
Hon. Blessing Onuh, who spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for identifying with the tournament and supporting youth development initiatives across Benue South. She described sports as a powerful tool for fostering unity, youth empowerment, and community integration, pledging to sustain the competition as an annual event.
Dr. Ode emphasized that the Alia administration views sports as a strategic instrument for youth engagement, talent discovery, social cohesion, and economic empowerment. The tournament concluded with widespread commendation from participants and community leaders for its role in promoting healthy competition and grassroots football development.
