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Sports Development in Anambra, the Ifeanyi Ubah Example


By Chigozie Igbo Jr

Every society is accessed by the vibrant nature of it's youths. Youth Participation in sports therefore helps develop strength,  character, Strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills and ensures goal setting. 


In Nigeria of today, Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah remains the only individual who has built an international stadium of repute, which has thus far helped in the promotion of sporting activities in the country especially in football. The siting of Ifeanyi Ubah games village in Nnewi, Anambra state is another plus which has put Anambra on the world map, as it remains the only CAF/FIFA recognized stadium in Anambra state, which bestows on it the privilege to host intercontinental matches. 


As a Sports enthusiast and a visionary administrator, Ifeanyi Ubah saw the need to think outside the box in the development of sports talents. Today, FC Ifeanyi Ubah since it's inception in 2015 has remained in the top flight of the Nigerian Premier League having made Anambra state proud by  breaking the jinx of winning the federation cup, which no other club from Anambra since the creation of Anambra state in 1991 has won.


His exploits in sports development also saw to the emergence of FC Ifeanyi Ubah Youth Academy where young talents are groomed. His apt and futuristic thinking also birthed the West Ham United/ FC Ifeanyi Ubah partnership in Africa, following the signing of a long-term agreement with FC Ifeanyi Ubah.


Aside from FC Ifeanyi Ubah, the Ifeanyi Ubah games village has become a meeca of sorts for football and sports enthusiasts who flock the stadium for one sports activity or the other which has also helped Ndi Anambra to keep fit, for a sustained healthy living. 


Ifeanyi Ubah's love for sports development has helped empower so many youths at the grassroots who would not have been able to showcase their talents to the world. By every standard the Nigerian sports sector especially where it concerns football, should be appreciative for what he has done in the development of sports through infrastructure and human capital development, which won't have been possible except for the futuristic thinking of a man who has transcended all barriers in not just identifying his passion but also living it to the fullest. He remains the example of capacity personified.

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