From The Nijasun Sports Desk
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Dame Princess Esom Nwafor-Orizu, has demonstrated her commitment to youth development, community unity and quality representation through sports and other people-oriented initiatives.
Nwafor-Orizu gave a practical indication of her vision for the constituency through her sponsorship of a volleyball tournament organised for the female wing of the Nnewi Youth Forum as part of activities marking this year’s Afia-Olu Nnewi Festival.
The tournament, which brought together youths from the four quarters of Nnewi—Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu and Nnewichi—was designed to promote unity, healthy competition and greater interaction among young people across the community.
The competition also attracted experienced officials in volleyball, including Mr. Franklin Ajatonu of the Anambra State Ministry of Youth and Sports, while Mr. One Christopher served as referee.
After two days of intense competition, which commenced on Sunday and ended on Monday, Umudim defeated Otolo three sets to nil in the final to emerge champions and lift the coveted trophy.
Speaking with journalists at the conclusion of the tournament, Dame Princess Nwafor-Orizu said her primary focus, if elected to the National Assembly, would be the welfare and development of her constituents.
She pledged to positively impact the lives of the people through initiatives covering different sectors and segments of the constituency, adding that her representation would be people-centred and devoid of discrimination.
According to her, her constituents would begin to feel the impact of quality representation immediately after assuming office, as she intends to make their needs and aspirations the foundation of her legislative agenda.
Nwafor-Orizu said her approach would be different from the culture of making promises without corresponding action, noting that she had taken time to study the needs of the people, particularly the youths, and would pursue programmes capable of empowering them positively.
She emphasised that youth empowerment would remain a major component of her agenda, especially initiatives that would encourage young people to develop their talents, acquire useful skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nnewi.
The President of Nnewi Youth Forum, Mr. Ejim Ucheagwu, explained that the tournament was organised by the forum, while Dame Princess Nwafor-Orizu sponsored the competition.
Ucheagwu disclosed that the sponsor provided a cash prize of N1.5 million for the overall winner, Umudim, alongside the trophy.
He added that other participating quarters received consolation prizes of N500,000, N400,000, N300,000 and N250,000, respectively.
According to him, the sporting event was part of the build-up activities to the 2026 Afia-Olu Nnewi Festival, organised in honour of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III.
He said the festival was scheduled to officially kick off on August 25, 2026.
The tournament attracted several dignitaries, including the Deputy Chairman of the APC in Anambra State, Hon. J.C. Okeke; an APC chieftain in Nnewi North, Hon. Nnamdi Azubuko; Hon. Innocent Orizu, among others.
The initiative has further positioned sports and youth engagement as important platforms for fostering unity, discovering talents and strengthening community bonds in Nnewi.
Tags: #NwaforOrizu #Nnewi #AfiaOlu2026 #APC #YouthDevelopment
