From Fred Itua, Abuja

Uromi Like Minds Initiatives (ULMI) members in Edo state have demonstrated the need for diaspora and members of ethnic nationalities to play a key role in developing grassroots sport after their second edition of the Uromi Like Minds Initiatives (ULMI) competition ULMI high school soccer recently ended in Edo Central.

ULMI is made up of a group of the best Uromi professionals from all over the world.

Sylvester Abumere Ekpen, President of ULMI, declared after the final of the competition in the Northeast Esan Local Government Area of ​​Edo State, where Arue Uromi High School beat Agba Elementary School also from Uromi 1-0 to take home the golden cup. the roles of the successful sons of Uromi in the development of their place of origin can never be overemphasized, especially at this time when the focus is on the development of human capacity.

Speaking to reporters, he thanked the group members for their support and encouraged the students to always behave well on and off the pitch.

“We have quite a number of ULMI members honoring this occasion. The match in which the LGA sports complex in the commercial city of Uromi was sold to capacity was watched by a considerable number of members of the association who came from the diaspora, in particular from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States .

“Her dedication and commitment to the cause have kept us going. Please keep the flag flying and continue to play your active role in the holistic development of our community.

“Last year, as part of its contribution to the development of young minds in ENELGA, ULMI started this annual high school soccer tournament in our LGA.

“The Buddy Group of Schools won the inaugural edition but found it difficult to retain the cup this year as they were knocked out in the earlier rounds,” said Mr Ekpen.

Prior to the final between Agba and Arue, Ufuah Memorial High School, Uromi had defeated Ulinlin High School 2-1 in the best loser game which started at 1:30 pm on the same day.

In the competition, the winner took home a cash prize of N100,000 with the coveted gold cup; the runners-up went home with N75,000 and the third-place team with N50,000, as well as the fourth-place team with N30,000.

There were token giveaways for all 16 teams that entered the competition, causing every school to go home with something.

The first edition was won by the Buddy Group of Schools on December 26, 2021.