Okeke, Ex Anambra FA Chairman Bags Chieftaincy, As Anaocha Celebrates New Yam Festival
Dr Emeka Okeke, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Anambra State Football Association has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ikemba Di Ugwu’ by the traditional rulers of the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government in Anambra.
Okeke received the title at the joint celebration of the 2021 New Yam Festival of Anaocha Local Government Area at the council headquarters, Neni.
Okeke who is the founder of Aspire FC, Adazi Ani, one of the best amateur clubs in Anambra was recognised for his positive contributions to youths and sports development in not just Anaocha LGA but in the state and beyond.
Speaking to journalists at the colourful ceremony, the America based medical doctor said he was humbled that the people of Anaocha found him worthy of the rare recognition.
He said the title would serve as a motivation for him to render more social services that would uplift the youth and society at large, adding that ‘reward for good work is more work’.
Okeke said in addition to organising competitions like the Super 8 Tournament, he would go into development of football pitches in selected secondary and primary schools in the local government area.
“I am a lover of culture, for foyr years, i have sponsored the ‘oji ifor cultural festival’, i have told other recipients that it is not just about taking titles, we gave to work towards helping the society to be better.
“It is my wish that in the next six months, with good economy, 10 secondary schools in Anaocha will get renovated football pitches, he said
Earlier in his address, Patrick Onyedum, Transition Chairman of Anaocha LGA, said that the festival fosters unity amongst various communities and that it is an umbrella to encourage farmers as well as expose young ones to the beauty of Igbo culture.
“We will never relent in promoting our culture which is a great means of ensuring unity amongst us, that is why we empowered a lot of farmers in our various communities to go back to their agricultural business.
“Today, we are marking this year’s new yam festival and the resultant effect is tremendous, it will also boost our market value and reduce hardship.
‘We are going to sustain the idea by making it a more robust programme, I thank those who were recognized for their various contributions and encourage them to keep the flag flying,” Onyedum said.
The elaborate ceremony attracted personalities in Anambra State football community including Chief Tony Oli, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Chikelue Iloenyosi, Aide to Amaju Pinnick, the NFF President.
Others were Victor Aniekwena, Anambra FA Vice Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Chairmen of Local Governor Football Committees, club coaches, chairman and other dignitaries from every walk of life.
