Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, the Global Director for Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora Football Outreach and former senatorial candidate announced that 12 Deltans have be selected by the talent scouts to commence a pre European trials, three each from Akwukwu Igbo, Onicha Olina, Illah and Isele Uku following the just concluded *Gbandi – Ojiodu U-20 Inter-Community Diaspora Street Football Tournament* which held at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North LGA,Delta State. Gbandi stated that the talent hunt selection is the first phase of the selected individuals journey into European football world as, their skills and discipline is what is most needed to keep and sustain them upon their arrival at Europe.
Speaking to newsmen at Asaba, he thanked God for a successful event and hailed the head of the scouting team Ambrose Henry Ojiodu and Andrew Uwe for their meticulous and difficult job in fishing out 12 talents from many potential talents during the Grassroots tournament.
He re-emphasized that the focus of Gbandi-Ojiodu Inter community football is aimed at discovering talent among Delta Youths in the grassroots, encouraging friendly competition, and team building, and promoting healthy lifestyles and peace.
Gbandi thanked Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Chief (Sir) Monday Onyeme, represented by Chief (Mrs) Shimite Bello, Special Adviser, Trade and Export to the Executive Governor of Delta State for keeping to his promise to attend the grand final owning to his love and passion for the development of Delta State and the great opportunity such event has for Delta youths.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief (Mrs) Shimite Bello, Special Adviser, Trade and Export to the Executive Governor of Delta State for the motherly role she played before and during the tournament, Hon. Commissioner for Youths Delta State, Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, represented by Onwusanya Peter Jnr. SA to the governor on Youth Mobilization for showing interest in youths development and his warm embrace of the initiative and Miss Maureen Chinonye Achugbue, founder of Chinonye Smile-Care Initiative for her great facilitation job prior to the final event.
Gbandi speaking further, also thanked Isagba of Akwukwu Igbo (FADE AFRICA), Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Isagba of Akwukwu Igbo (FADE AFRICA); Apostle Patrick Nwanze, President General Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. Worldwide; Secretary General, Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc; Prof Adaobi Ugbomeh, the Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Community Development, Chief Ikechukwu Iwegbu, other dignitaries present also in the persons of, President General of Onicha Olona Community; Mr Patrick Ejidoh, former National player and founder of Temile Football Foundation; Mr. Clement Temile, Special Assistant To The Governor On Youth mobilization, Hon. Kelvin Anyakwu, and Comr Peter Onwusanya Jnr, amongst other.
Conclusively, Gbandi gave kudos to the Football ground team headed by Victor Ofili, Sunday Remi Ikebukwu, and all the coordinators and Adione Joseph and the eye care Medical team.
