By Ikenna Nwokedi
History was made over the weekend as the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo commissioned the Umuchu Mini-Stadium Complex.
The Umuchu Mini-Stadium project which is an initiative of the Transition Committee (TC) Chairman Aguata Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia.
The Umuchu Mini-Stadium project construction which commenced in February 2023 is a FIFA standard football pitch with lush green natural grass and a sitting capacity for 500 persons with pavilion, VIP section and open gallery where football fans can also stand to watch the beautiful game.
The Stadium facility was commissioned by the Governor of the State who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development in the state, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba with Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke praying and blessing the arena.
In his address, the Governor of the State, Prof. Charles Soludo who was represented by Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, Commissioner for Youths, eulogized Hon. Ofobuike for the initiative.
He stated that the stadium complex will help to produce the next generation of world-class footballers from the Aguata region.
In his remarks, the TC Chairman, Aguata LGA, Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike thanked the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia for making available the site for the stadium project.
Hon. Ofobuike revealed that the Mini-Stadium construction which commenced earlier in the year and now completed is a FIFA standard football pitch with natural grass aimed at providing a platform for grooming talents and young people interest in playing football.
“The decision to erect a standard playing ground is to enable young people who are interested in football to enhance their career through football and also for us to groom talents eespecially now that we have Aguata Football Academy (AFA) in place.
“The Mini-Stadium is a FIFA standard football pitch with natural grass which can host 500 persons including the popular and VIP stands. Umuchu Mini-Stadium Complex is currently the only standard football ground in this locality for now although Mr. Governor has commenced work on the Ekwulobia Township Stadium which will be completed very soon”,
“I thank the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, the owners of the ground, for giving us the platform to develop here which will serve as a hub for football growth and development in this constituency,” Ofobuike stated.
Hon. Ofobuike assured that the facility will be adequately maintained as there is a template in place that will enable them to manage the infrastructure very closely and well.
On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi commended Hon. Ofobuike for his vision and innovation geared towards empowering the youths through football and sports at large. Iloenyosi assured him of the support of ANSFA towards the growth of the round-leather game in his locality.
Highpoints of the event was the official unveiling of the stadium as well as football exhibition matches between Aguata Football Academy versus Doscadek Academy Under-13 sides as well as an All Stars match between Umuchu All Stars and Ekwulobia All Stars teams.
