Excitement is bubbling in the air as Nigeria’s top-flight golf course, Arsenal Golf and Country Club House is set to be commissioned in a grand style, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

This Saturday, Nigerians from all walks of life will gather at the Arsenal Golf and Country Club House as the latest state-of-the-art club house will officially be opened.

Speaking ahead of the epoch-making event, major sponsor behind the building of the club house, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Eze Raphael Ekezie expressed joy that the years of hard work and investment is finally becoming a reality.

Ekezie rolled out the steps he took financially towards ensuring the betterment of the club house adding that public spirited individuals also contributed their quota financially to the project.

His words: “My happiness has no limit when it comes to here. Like I keep telling everybody, in Owerri most of us have no other place rather than Arsenal Golf and Country Club. That’s the only place we relax. All the dream we have about being able to come here, have a restaurant, bar and lounge is already achieved.

“I am very happy and this golf course is populated with people who have public spirit and they have to contribute to what we are doing. That’s how we were able to achieve it. I thank everybody who made contributions to the building of this club house and I wish the best for them.

“I have been in Oil and Gas. I asked myself that this is where I want to spend much of my time and golf is my passion. I came out here and saw an expanse of land acquired by the Army. It was supposed to be a golf course and there was nothing golf in it. I put in everything I have, I went to the United States and brought all the machines and everything you see here.

“Everybody contributed to supplement what I have done and that’s why I am grateful that everybody loves this place. No individual can do it. The Army did what they can do and I am grateful for that.”

Also, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Donald Chika Nwaigwe, SAN, spoke about the opening of the club house.

“I see it as a fulfilment of a dream that other minds and thinking won’t have considered possible but sincerity and desire, believing in God’s faithfulness has brought us where we are today.

“We got to the major vital levels that person like the Governor considered it and find it to be a good outing that private citizens have undertaken for themselves for every person in the State. I am happy that my dream has come to reality and I am expecting a good outing.”

In the same vein, former Captain of the golf course, Clifford Ojiakor stated that the club house is strategically placed in an environment that is secured to host and accommodate visitors.

He said: “I was captain when we started the club house building and I left as captain when we completed the building and today we have a new captain who is very appreciative of what we did during our regime. We are very set to open the club house. Imo is known as a home of hospitality.

“This place will serve golfers and serve our guest to explore more on the game of golf. We are indeed grateful for those who were part from the beginning, the Brigade Commander who laid the foundation stone. We are grateful to our Chairman, Board of Trustees, Eze Ugo Raphael Ekezie, who threw his benevolence, restored this place to a playable golf course. His benevolence to this place is second to none and has spent well over N500m to make this course playable.

“We have other members of the BOT, who donated unreservedly to ensure that we are here celebrating today. This is communal effort. Our immense gratitude goes to Governor Hope Uzodinma. He made a commitment and brought all the golfers to come and play in our Arsenal. He made a pledge which has helped us to keep up this place.

“The club house has locker rooms, bathrooms and toilets. It’s a place for relaxation and home away from home. We are indeed happy to achieve this feat.

“The major challenge we have is the self-inflicted downturn, the very fear of insecurity whereby people who will want to come to Imo and spend their money are fearful of the insecurity situation but here in Arsenal, we are lucky.

“Our landlords are the military. We never had any incident of kidnap or theft around here. This is a very secured environment. We have hosted big tournaments where we have other players come from all over Africa to play and we have never had any security breach.”

Current captain of the club house, Commodore Ogechi Iwu, rtd said: “All members are excited and we are happy that finally our club house is set for further functions. We are happy and appreciate members of BOT and other members who worked assiduously to make sure it is a success. We are here to celebrate and have a tournament to commission the club house.”

By Kennedy Onwunali

08062359191

The Top Seed Mbaise Nation Football Competition continues to deliver thrilling moments as Match Day 3 takes center stage. All eyes are on the host team, Ahiazu Mbaise Football Club, as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against the formidable Ezinihitte Football Team. Following a dramatic opening match against Aboh Mbaise, where they narrowly missed victory, Ahiazu will be eager to secure their first win in front of an expectant home crowd.

Ahiazu’s 3-3 draw with Aboh Mbaise was a spectacle of attacking football and late-game drama. As reported by www.silveenews.com.ng, Ahiazu came tantalizingly close to victory before conceding two late goals. This defensive lapse has raised questions about their backline’s reliability. However, their attacking prowess was undeniable, offering fans hope for an exciting showdown against Ezinihitte.

Ezinihitte Football Team, meanwhile, showcased their resilience and discipline in a goalless draw during Match Day 2. Led by their experienced captain, nicknamed “Oldman,” the team has proven to be defensively robust. They are expected to bring the same level of grit to their game against Ahiazu, posing a significant challenge to the hosts. Ezinihitte’s strategy will likely revolve around exploiting Ahiazu’s defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining a solid defense.

Adding to the significance of this match is the presence of Chief Larry Chikwe, the
Executive Chairman, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, who will perform the ceremonial kickoff. His involvement highlights the community’s dedication to sports development and inspires young talents across Mbaise Nation.

The historic St. Jude Football Ground

Visit to the Palace of HRH Eze DO Njoku (Ekwueme II) of Ngurunwekwo Autonomous Community,Elder Samuel M. Obiajunwa, Nze Stainless C.E. Obiajunwa, Pastor Damian E. Oguh Obiajunwa, Mr. Charles I. Oguh, Comrade Macqueen Obiajunwa, Hon. Deacon Kenneth O. Obiajunwa, Engr. Solomon A. Francis, Hon. Ugochi Nwagwu, Nze Peter Ibeh, Mrs. Priscilia Oguh, and Mrs. Chinyere visited the palace during one of their engagements.

The rebirth of the Umuimeka Awurawu Kindred, along the corridor of Nguru Nwenkwo Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has been heralded as a profound reawakening. This initiative symbolizes the reconnection of the kindred to their ancestral roots, culminating in a celebration of unity and historical significance.

In recent years, the discourse surrounding this rebirth gained traction, thanks to the interventions of notable members of Umuimeka, including:.

Engr. Chinedu Declan Obiajunwa, an ex-professional footballer popularly known as “Kingofromareo”, based in the diaspora.Deacon Kenneth Ogueri Obiajunwa, a prominent APC leader.

These influential figures convened with the Council of Elders, led by Elder Samuel Maduamaoyenoso Obiajunwa, the third eldest man in the combined Imeka and Umumbochi clans. Their concerted efforts have revitalized the kindred’s historical legacy and rekindled its identity.

The Umuimeka clan, widely discussed and documented, acknowledges the sacrifices of its selfless heroes who were lost in ancient battles that brought untold plagues and led to the exodus of sons and daughters of the kindred during those harrowing times.

The Imeka clan, revered for their uprightness and their role as warriors who protected Oboama from conflicts, has a rich history that includes producing the First High Chief, Obiajunwa, in 1929 during the colonial era. Their legacy remains central to the history of Oboama Nguru.

The 2024 spiritual reawakening program, scheduled for November 24, 2024, will take place at the newly built All-round Events Management and Welcome Break Services Ltd, located at the Mwafor Oboama Nguru premises along the Owerri to Umuahia Road. The event promises to be a milestone, symbolizing prosperity and development.

Engr. Chinedu Declan Obiajunwa, the apex leader of the Umuimeka Kindred, described the occasion as a celebration of unity, progress, and historical significance. According to him, the event will bring together members of the Umuimeka Kindred, the eighth kindred in Oboama Nguru, to commemorate what will henceforth be recognized globally as Umuimeka Day.

This landmark celebration is anticipated to spotlight the resilience and achievements of the kindred while fostering unity and growth within the community, including notable figures such as Deacon Kenneth Obiajunwa and other influential personalities.

Nigeria’s national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has donated the sum of five hundred thousand naira each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and their Mighty Jets of Jos counterparts as a reward for their performance.

The Super Eagles skipper made the donation shortly after Kano Pillars Under-19’s 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League. The thrilling encounter was held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano.

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup, graced the event in person. He was at the stadium alongside his teammates from Kano Pillars FC, waiting for the conclusion of the Youth League match before commencing their own training session. This was part of their preparation for the Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 fixture against Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

Musa’s influence both on and off the pitch continues to shine. Since rejoining the Sai Masu Gida, the experienced forward has been directly involved in 95% of the goals scored by the the team. Over the weekend, he netted his fifth goal of the season against Heartland FC with a commanding header that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance. In addition to his goals, Musa has provided three assists and earned three penalties for his side through his brilliant attacking play.

His commitment to supporting grassroots football development is evident in this generous gesture, which will undoubtedly motivate the young players of both teams.

The Under-19 Youth League, a platform for discovering future talents, has already seen moments of brilliance that align with Musa’s vision for Nigerian football.

Ahmed Musa is also expected to lead the Pyramid City side in their next league game on Saturday, where they will face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium. Fans are hopeful that his leadership and form will drive the four-times Nigerian Champions to yet another away victory.

The gesture by Musa reflects his dedication to uplifting the sport at all levels, ensuring that budding talents are not only recognized but encouraged to pursue excellence. His contributions to the Sai Masu Gida and Nigerian football at large remain unparalleled.

….. Doles out one million Naira, assures SWAN of partnership

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has recognized Honorable Dr. Obioma Okorie (Nwa ji Ugo Nnaya) popularly for his immense contributions to sports development in the state, the Statesman Newspaper can exclusively report.

The award, titled Imo SWAN Sports Motivator of the Year, was presented to him during the grand finale of the Imo SWAN Week, held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri. The event marked a significant milestone in the career of Dr. Okorie, who is a renowned businessman, political leader, and philanthropist.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okorie, also known as the Dangote of Oru Nation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to SWAN for recognizing his efforts and commitment to sports in Imo State. He described the award as a “prestigious honor” and pledged his continued support for sports and youth development. “This award is the beginning of many great things to come,” he said, while announcing a generous donation of one million naira to support SWAN’s future activities. He also reiterated his willingness to collaborate with the association in promoting sports across the state.

The event attracted several dignitaries from various walks of life, including Hon. Declan Emelumba, Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Hon. Ralph Nwosu, Commissioner for Works; and Hon. Oguchienti, Commissioner for Power and Electricity. Other notable attendees included Engr. Ikenna Adikibe, Chairman of Oru West Local Government; George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL); and Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of Imo State Football Association. Anambra FA Chairman Chikelue Iloanusi and Emmanuel Atta also joined in celebrating Dr. Okorie’s achievement.

The grand finale culminated with a reception held at the Golden Vista Hotel in New Owerri. The event served as a platform for dignitaries and sports stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on advancing sports in Imo State. It was an evening of camaraderie, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving sports initiatives and motivating young talents.

Dr. Obioma Okorie’s recognition as the Imo SWAN Sports Motivator of the Year underscores his dedication to uplifting the sports sector and supporting youth-oriented initiatives. His philanthropic contributions, coupled with his leadership in Oru West and beyond, have positioned him as a key figure in Imo State’s developmental agenda. The award is a testament to his enduring commitment to empowering communities through sports and other developmental programs.