In a commendable effort to raise awareness and tackle the widespread issues of discrimination, abuse, and segregation against the girl child in Abia State, a special football match tagged “Ikuku Novelty Football Match for the Girl Child” has been organized to create an environment for the girl child to thrive.
The event, which was part of activities to commemorate the birthday celebration of the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, was primarily organized to raise awareness about the issues affecting the girl child and to promote gender equality.
Moreover, the match underscores the unwavering commitment of the former lawmaker to advocating for the welfare and rights of women and young girls who continue to face immense challenges in various aspects of life.
The maiden edition of the tournament saw female football teams, Mummy Ngozi Orji FC and Janny Lily FC, compete at the BCA International Field.
Lead player Mummy Ngozi Orji FC (L) Lead player Janny Lily FC (R)
As soon as the match kicked off, the players showcased their professionalism, skillfully controlling the ball with various techniques and styles.
A few minutes into the game, Janny Lily FC scored the opening goal, which was later equalized in the second half. The match concluded in a draw, with both teams lifting the trophy together.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion, Hon Emma Nwabuko, praised the players’ skills, emphasizing that the event goes beyond just advocating for the rights and empowerment of the girl child. He noted that it also creates an opportunity to promote physical fitness.
Hon Nwabuko, while describing the ceremony as timely, pointed out that it coincided with the global celebration of the birth of Christ, a season of joy. He stressed that football, in its essence, brings happiness and fosters unity among people.
He also praised the organizers for their impactful initiative, which, he said, highlighted that women could excel in the sport of football just as much as men. He extended his birthday wishes to the former Speaker of the Abia Assembly, whose birthday falls on December 25, and called for the implementation of more protective policies for girls while celebrating the strength and potential of the female gender.
Speaking shortly after the match, the lead player of Mummy Ngozi Orji FC, Mrs. Ezinne Orji, congratulated Rt Hon Chinedum Orji on his birthday. She commended him for his role in advocating for women and promoting a society where females are allowed to partake in their father’s inheritance through the bill passed under his leadership as Speaker of the House.
Mrs. Orji also expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event, describing it as insightful.
Additionally, the Personal Assistant to the Attorney General of Abia State, Precious Kalu, praised the initiative of the novelty match, wishing the former Speaker a glorious birthday celebration.
In an interview, the Special Adviser on Media to the former Speaker, Mr. Kelvin Ikechukwu, provided insight into how the initiative was conceived.
Ikechukwu explained that the desire to impact the lives of the girl child motivated the decision to commemorate the 2024 birthday of the former Speaker beyond eating and drinking. Instead, they focused on reorienting and raising awareness to combat all forms of maltreatment of the girl child.
Mr. Kelvin Ikechukwu
He stated that the football match was part of the celebrations marking the birthday of the former Speaker and served as a powerful initiative to address the challenges faced by the girl child. Beyond giving a voice to girls and women, the match also honored the former Speaker’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of females in society.
According to him, the match is expected to send a clear message about the importance of gender equality and the need for collective action to eradicate harmful practices.
Meanwhile, he added that the law passed under the former Speaker, allowing the girl child to inherit a share of her father’s property, would significantly help end the marginalization of the female gender and recognize them as integral members of society.
He pointed out that in politics, subordination against women remains prevalent, citing the current makeup of the Abia State House of Assembly, where none of the 24 members representing the various constituencies is female. “This act alone relegates women to the background. Part of this issue is what the Ikuku Novelty Football Match for the Girl Child is set to address,” he explained.
Ikechukwu further noted that the initiative would engage the local community in conversations surrounding the empowerment of girls, urging society to create a safe and supportive environment for them to thrive. He called on more individuals to join the movement to ensure that the girl child is given the same opportunities, respect, and protection as her male counterparts.
He urged the girl child to believe in themselves and contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation about the rights of girls and the ongoing fight to end gender-based violence. He added that the Ikuku Novelty Football Match for the Girl Child would remain a powerful symbol of progress, unity, and a brighter future for young girls in Abia. He also thanked the sponsors of the event.
