by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
The Registry team of Federal University Otuoke has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Professor Promise Mebine’s Tug of War Challenge Cup, defeating teams from the Faculties and other organs of the University in a keenly contested sporting event.
The competition, held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the West Campus open field, brought together staff teams in a spirited display of strength, teamwork and camaraderie, highlighting the University’s growing emphasis on sports and staff engagement.
The Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science team emerged first runner-up, while the Faculty of Nursing Science team finished as second runner-up.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chris Onyema, who represented the sponsor of the challenge cup and Vice Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine, congratulated the Director of Sports, Mrs. Helen Wokoro, for initiating the competition, describing it as a historic addition to the University’s sporting activities.
Professor Onyema noted that the initiative reflected the need to create a healthy balance between work and recreation, stressing that the University was “not all about work and work alone, but about work and play too.”
He further observed that sport remained a powerful force for unity, not only within the country but across the “global community,” adding that the event provided an opportunity for staff to bond and strengthen the spirit of togetherness within the University.
“Today, we are here united by one purpose, the need to move FUO forward as a family university,” he said, conveying the Vice Chancellor’s charge on the importance of exploring sports entrepreneurship and harnessing the abundant talents within the University as a potential source of internally generated revenue.
He urged staff to view sports not merely as recreation but also as an avenue for talent development, enterprise and institutional growth.
Professor Onyema thanked members of staff who turned out for the competition and expressed confidence that the best team would emerge victorious.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was a friendly tug of war between Professor Onyema and the Registrar, Mrs. Andabi Amangi-Edomo. The light-hearted contest, which drew enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience, set the tone for the competitive rounds that followed.
Professor Onyema subsequently declared the maiden Professor Promise Mebine’s Tug of War Challenge Cup open.
The competition featured several rounds, with participating teams battling through each stage in a spirited contest before the Registry team ultimately secured the coveted maiden trophy.
The Director of Sports, Mrs. Helen Wokoro, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ibebietei Temple Offor, Deans of Faculties, the University Public Relations Officer and the compere of the event, Ms. Mercy Ekott, SAVC, Dr. Francis Elawaremi, teaching and non-teaching staff were among dignitaries that watched the Tug of War challenge.
