The Chairman of the Enugu State Taekwondo Association, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, has described his recent award and honour by the Taekwondo Association of Nigeria as both a call and a challenge for greater efforts and positive action.
The award was conferred on Amaraizu at the just-concluded 3-day 4th edition of the Taekwondo Unity Games, held from June 12–14, 2025, at the Nigeria Air Force Valley Estate Multipurpose Hall, Asokoro, Abuja.
Amaraizu, a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coach and pioneer Chairman of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, emphasized that exposing children and young people to values, morals, standards, and discipline will help keep them innovative and resourceful.
The use of the instrumentality of sports is highly rewarding for strengthening their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities,” he said. “Each sport, including Taekwondo, has its tenets, and these tenets are rooted in the core values of sports.”
He called on parents, guardians, and stakeholders to increase the participation of children in sporting activities as a way to unlock their full potential.
Coach Amaraizu also expressed appreciation to Master Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa and the organizing team of the 4th Taekwondo Unity Games, along with their partners, for their outstanding promotion of Taekwondo in Nigeria. He further acknowledged the efforts of Grandmaster Dennis Anih and other Taekwondo masters at the Enugu State Taekwondo School for their continued dedication to the sport’s development.
It was gathered that Coach Amaraizu was honoured as an Advocate of Nigerian Youth Empowerment and Crime Prevention through Sports. The event featured over 300 athletes from 21 clubs and institutions and was held in collaboration with various Taekwondo bodies and the Defence Headquarters Sports Directorate.
In his remarks, the 053 Camp Commander, Group Captain H.S. Ibrahim, represented by the Officer in Charge of Sports at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Unit, Flight Lieutenant Chijioke Colony, delivered a goodwill message. He commended the Unity Games for constructively engaging young people, stating that such efforts would inspire more children and youths in the community. He also expressed NAF’s willingness to host future editions of the event if given the opportunity.
During the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Taekwondo Unity Games, Master Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa, encouraged parents to incorporate physical fitness into their children’s education. He highlighted Taekwondo as one of the safest combat sports for children due to its emphasis on discipline, ethics, and moral rebirth.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of trophies, medals, and awards of honour to outstanding athletes and personalities.
