Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The chairman of Anambra State Football Association, Mr Chikelue Iloenyosi, with some LFC chairmen, paid a courtesy call to the football loving traditional ruler of Umunya Community, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, at his magnificent palace in the centre of the community where the respected monarch prayed and gave royal blessings to the Anambra FA boss.
Igwe Onyekwuluje appreciated the FA chaimran and his entourage for the visit and disclosed how proud he was that Iloenyosi was the one in charge of football in the state.
‘I want to express my gratitude to you all for this visit. I am happy that a football person is in charge of affairs in this state. General needs no introduction in football. He has played for Enugu Rangers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, was part of the NFF and some football’s International bodies.
He is a worthy son of the soil who has taken his rightful position as the Anambra FA chairman. I have been impressed with what you have done within a few months in office.
Your efforts and programmes towards the development and uplift of grassroots football cannot be overemphasized. We will give you our support, even financially, to see that football moves to greater heights in our state,’ he said.
Iloenyosi, in his brief remarks, thanked Igwe Onyekwuluje for welcoming him to his palace. He assured him that the confidence and faith he had shown in him would motivate him to do more in football for the youths of Anambra State.
‘Thank you, Your Royal Majesty, for welcoming us in your beautiful palace. You have distinguished yourself as a unique traditional ruler who believes in investing in the youth. I will match that your zeal to make sure that many youths in Umunya and other communities in our state make a living out of football.
This is the first time an ex-international will be taking charge of football affairs in this state and I will make sure that the football legacies that I will leave behind will be felt here in Umunya and many other communities in the state,’ he concluded.
Igwe Onyekwuluje led other traditional rulers, whom he invited, in praying for the success and prosperity of the FA boss. Among the traditional rulers were His Majesty, Igwe Dr Benjamin Okechi, Chairman, Anyamelum Traditional Rulers’ council; His Royal Highness, Igwe S.I. Chidubem Aboh of Umumbo and His Royal Majesty, Igwe George Ekwealor of Umuoba Anam.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a portrait by Big T Global FC of Umunya, represented by the Team Manager and a player of the team, and Igwe Onyekwuluje, to Iloenyosi at the palace after which there was a group photograph outside.
On the chairman’s entourage were officials of the Local Football Council.