By JOHNSON EBIGIDE
The Asaba Chapel of the Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has narrowly beaten the Information chapel of the union during a novelty football match played at the play ground of the NTA in Asaba with a 2-1 margin to mark the press week of the celebration of the press week of the latter in the state.
In a tension soaked match, the DBS team drew the first blood in the first minute, leaving spectators wondering if it was going to be a feast of goals.
However, the Information side woke up to the sudden harassment with a well articulated attack, led by Mr. Samuel Ugbaja, resorting in the referee awarding a penalty to the losing side. The penalty was however wasted.
At half time, the DBS side was leading until a dangerous strike from Mr Ugbaja saw the information side smiling home with a consolation goal !
Speaking to newsmen after the match, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who was represented by Mr. Lucky Omokri, Director of Publications and Production Service in the ministry, said that the match was novel in the ministry, adding that not only would it enhance the physical fitness of the players, but would engender cooperation between the two participating chapels of the NUJ in the state.
He urged the leadership of the NUJ in the state to rekindle the love of camaraderie among members of the union through such sporting meets in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NUJ in the state, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, appreciated the leadership of the state Information Chapel for thinking it wise to organise a press week and the novelty match to mark the week in the state, adding that other chapels of the union in the state should emulate the good move of the Information Chapel towards strengthening the all important role of the union in the state.
He used the occasion to commend the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu, in his fatherly and professional role in bridging the unnecessary gap between the union in the state and the state government, adding that the union would continue to pursue its complementary developmental role towards the actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the Okowa Administration in the state.
Present during the sweat soaked match were the Vice Chairman of the NUJ in the state, Comrade Salvation Ogono, the Director of Orientation in the state, Mrs Stella Macaulay, top officials and member from the Information and the Asaba DBS chapels and neighborhood NTA spectators.