By Christian ABURIME
The Anambra Solution Community Shield championship kicked off with a flag-off ceremony on Sunday, drawing a large crowd of fans and supporters from different parts of the state.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo performed the flag-off ceremony of this year's edition of the championship which promises to be exciting and entertaining, with the one hundred and seventy nine (179) communities battling it out for the first place position.
The event, which was held at the Awka Township Stadium was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, notable stakeholders, sports lovers, among others.
Governor Soludo, while performing the flag-off ceremony, revealed that the championship is not just about participating to win, but equally about engendering peace and unity among Anambra communities.
The Governor said the championship offers a platform for the young Anambra population to display their God-given skills and talents, recalling how his administration launched the "Sports Economy"; some weeks back, which he emphasized will potentially grow the state economy.
He enumerated some of the programs mapped out by his administration for the youth, prominent among which is the "One Youth Two Skills" Initiative.
Professor Soludo added that thousands of young persons who participated in the pilot phase of the training will soon be empowered with seed funds for start-up.
The President General of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo expressed hopes that this year's edition will greatly contribute to the development of football at the grassroots level, meaningful engaging the youths and increasing the GDP.
Barrister Akpudo pledged to continue to support the lofty goals and aspirations of the present administration, and expressed optimism that from the event members of the "Solution Football Club" will be selected at the end of the tournament.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne, among others, attended the ceremony which climaxed with the official kick-off by the Governor.