By Ikenna Nwokedi
Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sunday Akin Dare has commissioned the Ultra modern Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah Club House located in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The newly constructed club house which also houses the Nnewi Sports Club was donated by the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial zone at the red chambers, Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and commissioned on Friday, 13th January 2023.
In his address, Chief Dare eulogized Senator Ubah for his immense contributions toward human capital development and grassroots programmes which cuts across his senatorial zone and by extension to the whole state.
He described Senator Ubah as the pillar for the teeming youths of his constituency and beyond which can be seen with his contributions to sports development.
The minister stated that the Ministry’s core mandate is centred on grassroots sports development. He said: “Our core mandate in the Ministry is grassroots sports development as any country that fails to develop her athletes and sports infrastructure cannot excel in sports development. It’s a rare opportunity to be here to witness this sports club and sports complex,” he stated.
Chief Dare enthused that he is satisfied describing what he has seen as similar to the national plan under the national sports policy.
“What I have seen here is a display of quality and standard meant to serve people of Nnewi community and surrounding environment. This is a layer to the national plan under the national sports policy to develop sports at the grassroots”,
“We are delighted that a senator has keyed into it and bringing it into action gladdens my heart. I hope that out of 109 senators that about 50 of them will do like Senator Ubah so that our youth can have the opportunities they need in sports development geared towards producing stars from the grassroots that will win laurels for our country,” he said.
On his part, Senator Ubah thanked the Sports Minister for finding time to visit Nnewi to commission the Club house. Ubah stated that he remains optimistic that the minister will be back to officially inaugurate Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium which is the only privately owned stadium certified by CAF in Nigeria.
He alluded to the fact that the stadium has hosted international matches which saw FC Ifeanyi Ubah playing Al Masry of Egypt in 2017 in the CAF Confederation Cup. The lawmaker stated that he has given so much and is poised towards attracting more projects for Nnewi, Anambra South Senatorial zone and the state in general.
Also speaking, President of Nnewi Sports Club, Ifeanyi Ezekaka disclosed that for over three decades since the inception of the club in 1972, the club was in a dire need of a suitable club house expected to house offices, executive bar, restaurant and various indoor games. He stated that Senator Ubah came to their aid by constructing the building project and furnishing it in style.
He described Senator Ubah as a known philanthropist who over the years used his God’s given wealth to assist the less privileged, church, Nnewi Community, Anambra South Senatorial zone and the state. The sports manager thanked the Honourable Minister for finding time to visit the club and commissioning the housing project.
Cutting of ribbons, tour of the club house and exhibition tennis matches as well as an award to Senator Ubah formed the high points of the occasion. Present during the event were members of the Nnewi Sports Club, various sports stakeholders, YPP party faithfuls and indigenes of the community.
