The Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match held at the Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Ughelli is a lively and bustling town located in Delta State, Nigeria.
Known for its vibrant cultural heritage, Ughelli boasts a rich tapestry of traditions and community events that bind its residents together.
It serves as an important commercial hub in the region, offering a diverse array of marketplaces where traders showcase their goods, ranging from locally grown produce to handcrafted items.
With its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Ughelli provides both locals and visitors a glimpse into the dynamic spirit and hospitality of the people of Delta State.
According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the event marked the conclusion of a series of activities organized to honor the life, values, and legacy of the late Chief, who was widely respected as an academic, community leader, and philanthropist in Delta State.
The novelty football match featured two teams: one made up of the children of the late Chief Akpodiete and the other of his grandchildren.
The match was well attended and ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
The children’s team scored the first goal of the game, only for the grandchildren’s team to equalize with a well-taken penalty.
Spectators and dignitaries applauded the match as symbolic of continuity between generations, embodying the spirit of unity and legacy the late Chief stood for.
Following the game, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete addressed the audience with a heartfelt plea to government authorities.
He specifically appealed to the representative of the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman to take steps toward upgrading the Ughelli Public Field into a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete emphasized that the field predates the more modern Ughelli Township Stadium and has served as a key venue for sporting and community activities for many decades.
He noted that despite its long-standing role in community development, the field has suffered from years of neglect and lack of proper infrastructure.
He argued that upgrading it would not only preserve its historical relevance but also benefit local youth, athletes, and community events.
His call reignited a long-standing conversation in Ughelli about the state of community infrastructure, particularly sports facilities.
Many attendees echoed his sentiment, expressing frustration that a town as prominent as Ughelli still lacks a well-developed public stadium.
Dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Vice Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, ably represented by Pastor (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema.
Other notable figures in attendance were Evangelist Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs. Efe Akpodiete-Minabowan; Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon. Felix Uloho; Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega, popularly known as Big Daddy.
After the match, cash prizes were presented to both teams in recognition of their spirited performance.
Guests and participants also posed for a group photograph and enjoyed light refreshments as the evening drew to a close.
While the novelty match ended in celebration, it also sparked renewed calls for action from local authorities.
The Ughelli Public Field remains a vital part of the community, yet continues to be overlooked in infrastructural planning.
Community members and advocates hope that events like this remembrance will push the government to finally invest in transforming the field.
As the memory of Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete is honored through unity and sportsmanship, the people of Ughelli wait to see whether his legacy will inspire tangible change in their community.