In a thrilling display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) in Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, February 16, 2025, emerged victorious by a lone goal against the Legislators Wives Association (LEWA) in a friendly football match played in commemoration of the first Anniversary of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
The match which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium, served as a platform to foster unity and friendship among members of both teams, members of the Board of Trustees of GIFA, political stakeholders and spectators who came out to witness the event.
Speaking shortly after the bout, Coordinator, office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, congratulated WALGON on their win, hinting that the match will be played annually as part of activities to celebrate future anniversaries of GIFA.
“Thank you to everyone that has come out to witness this match. It is something that we will be doing annually to mark our anniversary. Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) will be one year on the 20th of February and this match is in commemoration of the anniversary. Congratulations both teams and bigger congratulations to WALGON,” she said.
Others who bared their mind during the friendly match were commissioner designate, Mr Linus Nkan, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Council, Mr Alfred Charles and his Nsit Ibom counterpart, Hon. Otobong Aaron, a former Dean of commissioners, Dr. Glory Edet and others, who lauded Lady Obareki for the initiative, describing football as a full-body workout that promotes joint flexibility, physical fitness, emotional well-being and creates harmony between players.
They commended the female players for their dedication and enthusiasm in participating in the match, noting that the introduction of the match among the female stakeholders will foster unity of purpose, teamwork and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the physically elated coach of the winning team and President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Udo, said she was happy over their win against LEWA, adding that the novelty football match has offorded both team the opportunity as foot soldiers, to take to the pitch in commemoration of the first anniversary of GIFA and the post humous birthday of its Founder, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.