Barrister JBC Obikwelu, Vice Chairman of Anambra State Football Association has told The Nigerian Xpress Sports that they are in talks with aviation giants, Air Peace for partnership in an effort to take football to an all time high in the state.
Obikwelu further hinted that another prominent citizen of the state, Chief Jerry Ndu, has also joined the FA train in the bold move to muster funds for the good of the game in the South East state.
“Two prominent individuals in the state have shown willingness to come strongly into the football space in the state”, starts Obikwelu who is a retired referee.
“Air Peace has agreed to sponsor a competition in Anambra. He has held talks with the FA Chairman, Senator (Dr) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah in this regard.
“We also have another prominent citizen of the state, Chief Jerry Ndu who is also coming in to bankroll one of our competitions”.
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Obikwelu further that the FA is geared towards returning Anambra State to it prior status as the football Mecca and destination of the country. He pointed out that the creation of the Sports Development Commission by the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano is playing a pivotal role in this regard.
“There is Military and Paramilitary football competition which involves the Army, Navy, Police, Immigration, Customs, Federal Road Safety Commissions, Civil Defense and Nigeria Prisons formations in Anambra State”, Obikwelu began.
“There is also The Schools Challenge which is tagged Kiddies Cup. This competition involves Primary Schools in the state. We also have The Principals Cup competition for secondary schools in the state and The Markets Cup competition meant for all the markets in the state. The Communities Football championship meant for all the 116 communities in the state as well as the VC’s Cup which is designed for all higher institutions in the state are equally on the card. All these competitions are at different stages of conclusion except the VC’s Cup which is yet to kick off as result of the students examinations now ongoing”.
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He commended the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano for separating sports from the ministry of youth and sports, saying the Sports Development Commission under the chairmanship of Chief Anthony Oli, Omenokochi of Aguleri, has lifted sports in the state since coming into existence.
“During the last National Sports Festival in Abuja, Anambra state moved seven steps up the medals final table. The athletes enjoyed enhanced welfare from start to finish. The Awka Stadium project is back on track. The playing pitch, podium and tracks will be ready on or before November this year. Besides, there are also plans to develop two other pitches in Awka.
