Onitsha Country Club groundbreaking on tennis academy, 300-capacity sports pavilion, honours distinguished members, presents medals to ‘demolition squad’

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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha

The Onitsha Country Club has taken a major step toward its vision of becoming Nigeria’s premier recreational hub with the groundbreaking of a new Tennis Academy and a 300-capacity Sports Pavilion on November 23.

The ceremony also featured the recognition of six notable personalities with Honorary Patron Awards and the presentation of medals to the club’s elite “Demolition Squad.”

The Club President, Chief Anietonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, explained that the “Demolition Squad” comprises the club’s top Tennis who represent and defend its honour at local and international tennis and table tennis competitions.

The event began with prayers and blessings at the project site, led by Rev. Fr. Peter Areh of Immaculate Heart Parish, Fegge, who is also a club member.

The foundation stone was officially laid by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa), Chairman of Orange Drugs Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Represented by Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba (Ekwueme Akokwa), Ezenna expressed strong confidence that the project would be completed ahead of schedule.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the President has said it will not take more than six months for this place to be ready,” he declared. “I believe the Onitsha Country Club has what it takes to even beat that timeline. With passion and confidence, I am certain that within five months this project will be completed.”

In his welcome address, Chief Ajulufo praised Sir Ezenna for making the long-envisioned project possible. He noted that the BOT Chairman had challenged him to identify a signature project for his second term leading to the conception of the new pavilion.

“Our tennis academy will mobilize children living in Fegge and train them to play tennis. The goal is to secure the future of tennis in this community,” he said.

President Ajulufo highlighted the club’s achievements, including winning the Fada Pita Tournament for four consecutive years and emerging ping pong champions at the Dynamic Sports Club International Tournament in Chicago, USA.

Chief Ajulufo further credited Sir Ezenna’s humility and prompt financial support for enabling the demolition of an old bungalow on the site and the commencement of the new structure.

Following the groundbreaking, six respected members of society received Honorary Patron Awards. One of the honorees, Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba, said he felt deeply moved. “I don’t think I deserved it, but since I have been recognized, I give God the glory,” he said, pledging to ensure the project funds are properly utilized.

Chairman of the Building Committee, Patrick Ndubuisi Aniekwe, emphasized the project’s aim of nurturing young tennis talents in Fegge. The club’s Vice President, Barrister Dr. Ikenna Ibeh, added that the academy is designed to train local children to become world class athletes and potentially build careers in professional sports.

Speaking on behalf of the Special Guest of Honour and Club Ambassador, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Hon. Mimi Ifeoma Azikiwe, a member of the State House Assembly, praised the initiative as a testament to the determination and collaborative spirit of the Anambra people.

Recipients of the Honorary Patron Awards included: High Chief Okwuchukwu Anthony Madu, Chief Moses Umeh, CEO of Moses and Kosi Enterprises Ltd, Chief Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, Dozzy Group of Companies, Chief Sir J.I. Ukeje, Chairman, Ejison Group of Companies and High Chief Ogonna Olisah, C Ray Group of Companies.

Several members also commended the club’s leadership, including Sir Willington Asiegbu Uzoechi (Onwa Umuahia), who lauded the administration for delivering unprecedented development and progress.