The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ondo State branch emerged victorious in a friendly football match against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ondo State chapter on Friday, January 5, 2024. The match, which was part of the activities marking the NULGE Week and the handover ceremony of the outgoing executives, ended 1-0 in favour of NULGE.
The match was played at the Aquinas College, Akure. The venue was filled with supporters and fans of both teams, who cheered and chanted throughout the game. The match was also graced by some dignitaries, including the NLC Chairman, Comrade Amoko and the NULGE President, Comrade Boa Taiwo.
Before the match started, the players of both teams were introduced to the NLC Chairman and the NULGE President, who shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with them. The NLC Chairman then opened the match with a kick from the centre spot, signaling the commencement of the game.
The match was a keenly contested one, as both teams displayed skills, tactics, and passion. The first half ended goalless, as both teams failed to convert their chances. The second half was more exciting, as both teams increased their tempo and created more opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken in the 15th minute of the second half, when Comrade Niyi Bello of NULGE scored from the penalty spot, after he was fouled in the box by a NLC defender. The NLC team tried to equalize, but the NULGE team defended well and held on to their lead till the final whistle.
The match ended 1-0 in favour of NULGE, who celebrated their victory with joy and jubilation. The NLC team, however, accepted their defeat with sportsmanship and congratulated their opponents. The match officials, who were drawn from the Ondo State Football Association, also did a commendable job in ensuring a fair and peaceful game.
At the end of the match, Comrade Anigiobi of NULGE was unanimously nominated as the man of the match, for his outstanding performance and contribution to his team’s win. He was presented with a trophy and a cash prize by the NULGE President, Comrade Bola Taiwo, who also thanked the NLC team for honouring the invitation and participating in the match. He also thanked the supporters, the dignitaries, the media, and the security personnel for making the event a success.
Earlier in the day, the NULGE Ondo State branch also visited the orphanage home in Oba-Ile, Akure, where they presented various food items to the orphans and the staff. The NULGE President, Comrade Bola Taiwo, said the visit was part of the union’s social responsibility and a way of giving back to the society. He also commended the orphanage for taking care of the children and providing them with education and health care.
The NULGE Ondo State branch also organized a variety of events and games at the NULGE Resort Centre, where the staff had fun and relaxed. Some of the events and games included a quiz competition, a dancing competition, a chess tournament, a table tennis tournament, and a raffle draw. The winners of the events and games were rewarded with prizes and certificates by the NULGE executives.
The novelty match was a fun and entertaining way to foster unity and camaraderie among the workers’ unions in Ondo State. It was also a fitting way to celebrate the achievements and successes of the Comrade Bola Taiwo led executives, who will be handing over to the Comrade Frederick Akinrinlola led executives on January 9, 2024.
The NULGE Week, which started on January 5, 2024, will continue with more events and activities, such as public lecture, medical outreach, awards, and a thanksgiving service. The NULGE Week is serves as a platform to showcase the union’s accomplishments, challenges, and prospects, as well as to appreciate and honour its members and stakeholders.