By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, earlier in the week inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the hosting of the upcoming South East Universities Games Association (SEUGA) sports programme.
The Committee which was inaugurated at the Conference room of the Vice-Chancellor has Chief Dr. Emeka Okeke, Founder and Proprietor of NNL Club Aspire Football Club and President RISE Clinic Adazi-Ani as the Chairman of the LOC and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu as the Co-Chairman.
In his address during the inauguration, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone stated that the University accepted the hosting right of the biggest sporting programme in the zone bringing together all the Universities considering the fact that the maiden edition was hosted by the institution 20 years ago.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that it took about six weeks to choose the membership composition and the caliber of persons to be members of the committee.
Prof Esimone said he is making effort to secure a sponsor as well as develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards the project.
He stated that each member of the committee has a specific role and collective contribution towards the success of the programme.
He appealed to the members of the committee to work together as a team in ensuring that the university host a memorable sporting event that will be remembered for many years.
On his part, the Co-Chair of the committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu thanked the Vice-Chancellor for finding them worthy to be part of the team.
He said the task is a heavy assignment to the committee not just for organizing but working towards raising resources for the event.
Prof Ikechebelu who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the committee said they will commit themselves to discharging the responsibility of successful hosting of the event and lifting the banner of the institution.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor called on members of the committee to devote 100 percent commitment for the successful hosting of the SEUGA Games. He also opined that UNIZIK sports facilities may not be the best in the world but is up to standard and can host the games effectively and efficiently.
In his response, a member of the committee and Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Mr Patrick Estate Onyedum thanked the Vice-Chancellor for accepting to host such a huge event as it will change the sporting landscape of the institution within the state and country at large.
Mr Onyedum said there is need to consolidate on the gains of the founding fathers when the games was first held 20 years ago, the sports administrator said the caliber of persons in the committee are goal getters while assuring the Vice-Chancellor that the committee will not disappoint in the task given to them.
Other key members of the committee are the NUGA President, Mr. Emeka Ogbu; SEUGA Secretary; University Registrar; University Bursar; Chairman, University Sports Committee; Director, Medical Services; Director of Works; Coordinator Transport; Director of Sports; Dean, Student Affairs; SUG President; Head, Information and Public Relations; Chief Safety Officer of the institution as well as Head, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education.
