RismadarVoice Reporters, April 3, 2026
Hundreds of secondary school students in Akwa Ibom State participated in a football tournament designed to promote life skills and positive youth development.
The programme, organized by VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF) in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education, State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) and the Eket Referee Society, was supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) Ltd.
A total of 270 boys from 15 secondary schools across Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, Onna and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas took part in the competition, with each school fielding 18 players.
Preliminary matches began on February 25, 2026, at venues including Chief Ukpa Stadium (Onna), Okoromita Secondary School Field (Eastern Obolo), Methodist Central School, Ete (Ikot Abasi) and the Akwa Ibom State University Sports Stadium. The semi-finals were held on March 14, while the final took place on March 28.
Onna People High School, Abat (Onna LGA) emerged champions after defeating Migrant Secondary School, Emeroke (Eastern Obolo LGA) in a penalty shootout. QIC Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Osudu (Ikot Abasi LGA) finished third.
Alongside the matches, VCDF conducted life skills sessions focusing on goal setting, communication, teamwork, decision-making and self-confidence.
At the end of the tournament, the top three schools received educational supplies, while four outstanding players were awarded sports scholarships.
The initiative forms part of VCDF’s Goal Setters Programme, which supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.
