By Patriot Corps
January 1, 2025
The communities of Merok and Oimai Parishes in Katine Sub County have been encouraged to harness the power of games and sports to foster unity and peaceful coexistence. This call was made by Hon. Susan Amao Eliau, the district councillor representing Katine Sub County, during the Christmas final cup held at Oimai primary school playground on Wednesday.
Hon. Amao emphasized the role of sports, particularly football, in bringing people together and promoting happiness. “I feel very happy as a leader because such things draw people together, hence minimizing things like petty thefts,” she said. The councillor also urged Peter Edeku Edopu, the hopeful MP for Dakabela County, to develop community empowerment projects that address household poverty if elected in the 2026 polls.
John Alanyu, a resident of Abata village, echoed Hon. Amao’s sentiments, stating that football tournaments can serve as a reconciliation strategy between individuals and communities. Joel Emaju, one of the spectators, emphasized that games and sports can foster unity and, subsequently, development.
The event saw Aputon FC emerge as winners, defeating Oimai FC 4-2 in penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Okodu Moses scored the opening goal for Oimai FC, while Akwenyu Innocent equalized for Aputon FC in the 87th minute.
John Emou, the chairman of the organizing committee, revealed that they are already preparing their teams for the upcoming Kumam tournament. He praised the teams for their hard work and dedication, and thanked the community for their support throughout the tournament.
Emugu Moses, the LC3 chairman, thanked all those who came to support the teams throughout the tournament. He also emphasized that his office and the GISO’s office are open to supporting teams that want to organize similar events. Furthermore, he encouraged the community to rally behind leaders like Peter Edeku Edopu, who are committed to their well-being. “We need leaders who are always with us, and Peter Edeku Edopu is one such leader,” he said.
Moses Eriau, former coordinator of the incumbent MP Elotu’s campaign, now supporting Peter Edeku Edopu, expressed his joy at being back home. He praised Peter Edeku Edopu, saying Katine has produced a real bull who has united the people of Dakabela with his simplicity, charm, work, and kind heart. Eriau acknowledged that Edopu has brought joy, hope, and light to Dakabela. As someone who has already produced an MP, Eriau promised to dedicate all his energy to ensure Edopu’s victory. He thanked the community for their overwhelming support for Peter Edeku Edopu, noting that their huge turnout and cheerfulness spoke volumes about Edopu’s consolidated support. Eriau urged the community to maintain unity and commitment.
Peter Edeku Edopu, the guest of honor, delivered a keynote speech, urging the communities to “make 2025 our year.” He expressed gratitude to the community for their solid support and encouraged them to unite and stop blame games. Edopu emphasized that his leadership has brought unity beyond party and tribal lines, resulting in an increase in NRM party registration.
Edopu also thanked the community for engaging their youth in sports and announced that he had made jerseys for all parishes of Dakabela. He urged the community to support sports, which will bring joy, unity, and development. The guest of honor concluded by thanking women and youth as the champions and frontliners in the Dakabela revolution and encouraged them to organize themselves into groups to mobilize resources and benefit from government programs.
Finally, Edopu expressed his commitment to supporting sports development in the region. As a token of his support, he donated a cup and sports jerseys for Oimai and Merok Parishes FCs. Additionally, he provided cash awards to the participating teams to facilitate further development of their teams. He awarded the winners, Aputon FC, the trophy, and presented a cash prize to the runners-up, Oimai FC.
The event was attended by various local leaders and residents, who all praised the organizers for a successful tournament.
As the communities of Merok and Oimai Parishes celebrate, they have been reminded of the importance of unity, sports, and leadership in promoting development and peaceful coexistence.