By Timothy Nwobodo

The General Officer Commanding, the Nigerian Army, 82 Division , Major General H. T. Dada, has stated that the Military exercise “The Golden Dawn’ is designed, to secure South- East of Nigeria, especially, at this period of Christmas.

Major General Dada made the disclosure at the final of 103 Battalion Community Shield Football Cup Competition played at Union Secondary School, Enugu, yesterday, for the 4 host Communities in Enugu South Local Government Area, noted, that the military is concerned about fostering unity and better relationship with the civilian population to help secure the region especially this Christmas period, when people are returning home.

He noted that Enugu State, is known for its peaceful environment adding that the military cares for the civilian population and are desirous of securing South-East from hoodlums.

 He stated that the Football Competition was aimed at galvanising youths for positive ends.

The General Officer commended the Commandant 103 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Rear Major Abai, for mobilising the host Communities for improved civilian / military relationship and for usefully engaging the youths.

In his speech, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, commended, the Nigerian Army, for the non-kinetic approach in the fight against crime, for partnering the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and in organising, mobilising and engaging youths through football competition, where young football talents can be exposed for scouts.

He stated, that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is  committed towards digital empowerment of youths, he enjoined the Nigerian Army to continue its programme of community football competition, as it usefully engages  youths , he commended, the youths for participating in the competition and for showcasing their football talents.

He assured that the Union Secondary School playing surface will be rehabilitated.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Enugu South Local Government, Barrister Chimezie  Robinson Nkwuo, appreciated the  Nigerian Army, for its good relationship with her host communities and for galvanising youths for football competition.

In the final of the 103 Battalion, Community Shield Football competition, Amechi Community won the trophy by  defeating Ugwuaji  6 -5, after a penalty shootout,  after  90 minutes goalless match .

Chinerem of  Ugwuaji Community, won the best player award, Odinaka of Obeagu Community, went home with the highest Goalscorer award, while, Chibuike Nweke, won the best Goalkeeper  award.

Four Communities participated in the competition, they are Akwuke, Amechi, Obeagu and Ugwuaji.

The  General Officer Commanding Nigeria Army Major General H.T. Dada, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, the Commandant 103 Battalion, Nigerian Army Rear Major 0. Abai, as well as, the Chairman Enugu South Local Government Barrister Chimezie Robinson Nkwuo and the former Chairman, Aninri Local Government, Hon Ezekiel Chukwu, among other dignitaries, watched the final.