CKP Zone Clinches Emeka Idu Unity Cup as CMO Zones Battle for Honours in Onitsha

By Uzo Ugwunze

Christ the King Parish (CKP) Zone has emerged champion of the maiden Emeka Idu Unity Cup after defeating Fegge Zone 2–1 in a thrilling final that brought together Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO) members from six zones in Onitsha.

The football tournament, organised and sponsored by the Honourable Member representing Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Idu, was designed to promote unity, fellowship, healthy living and camaraderie among members of the CMO ahead of its convention scheduled for October.

The competition, which ended on Monday, September 7, witnessed keenly contested matches, with CKP, Fegge and St. Mary Zones emerging as the top three teams.

CKP Zone secured the championship after edging Fegge Zone 2–1 in a closely fought final, while St. Mary Zone finished in third place.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Idu said the tournament was intended to provide CMO members with an opportunity to socialise, exercise and strengthen relationships beyond their regular activities.

He announced a cash reward of ₦200,000 for the champions, ₦150,000 for the runners-up and ₦100,000 for the third-placed team, while all participating teams would receive consolation prizes of ₦50,000 each.

“The competition gives the men an avenue to socialise, exercise and build cordial relationships that will strengthen unity within the CMO family,” Idu said.

The trophy and medals were presented to the winning teams by the Honourable Member representing Onitsha South II State Constituency (Odoakpu), Hon. Barr. Jude Umennajiego, who commended the organisers and participating teams for displaying sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Also speaking, the Onitsha CMO Regional President, Hillary Edemba, expressed satisfaction with the competition, saying it successfully brought together men from the different zones in an atmosphere of friendship and togetherness.

The Director-General of the Idu Campaign Organisation, Onitsha South, Okechukwu Onuoha, commended Hon. Idu for committing his resources to the tournament.

According to him, the competition also provided an opportunity for participants to showcase football talents they had developed during their younger years.

In a separate remark, Ejoo Ibuzor, Director-General of the Idu Emeka Campaign Organisation, said Hon. Idu’s tradition of organising sporting competitions dates back to his time as a state lawmaker.

He described the initiative as one of the ways Idu had consistently maintained cordial relationships with members of his constituency.

Another attendee, Alamah Gilbert, an aide to Hon. Idu, described the tournament as a welcome development, noting that it brought members of the constituency together, provided a platform for discovering and showcasing talent, and promoted love and fellowship among the participants.

The tournament was organised under the leadership of John Nebedum, Chairman of the Organising Committee, whose efforts were commended for ensuring the smooth coordination of the competition from the opening matches through to the final.

Beyond the trophies and cash prizes, the tournament ended with its organisers and participants emphasising a common objective: using sport as a tool to strengthen bonds, encourage healthy living and promote unity among the CMO community in Onitsha.

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