The Imo State FA has named Dr. Patrick Ekeji, Prof. Ken Anugweje, and Kanu Nwankwo, as honorary members of the association in recognition of their achievements in football.
Its chairman, Mr. Amanze Uchegbulam, made the disclosure on Thursday in Owerri at the end of its first board meeting for 2022.
He said the appointment was in compliance with Article 24 of the Imo FA statutes, adding that the three new honorary members had distinguished themselves in their football careers and as Nigeria’s ambassadors.
He added that their inclusion in the FA would enable them to be part of football administration, saying they would add value with their wealth of experience.
Uchegbulam charged the honourary members to bring their wealth of experience to the development of the leather game in Imo.
Ekeji was a former Director-General of the Nigeria Sports Commission and currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo.
READ ALSO: Oromoni Jnr: Family Decries DPP’s Advice, Engages Lawyers
Nwankwo was a former Nigerian international and led the 1996 Olympics team to victory, even as he had a distinguished career in all his football years.
Prof. Ken Anugweje is a Professor of Sports Medicine and the Director of Sports at the University of Port Harcourt, where he had produced several stars in football and the academia.
He won the Nigerian University Games in 1988, 2004 and produced Davidson Owumi, current Chief Executive Officer of the League Management Committee.
Ekeji in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude for the honour and commended the board for the honour and assured that he would ensure the development of football in the state.
On his part, Prof. Anugweje, a former footballer, and coach said the conferment was an indication that noble contributions were noticed, saying it would spur him to do more. (NAN)
