By Ikenna Nwokedi, PhD
Former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Okeke is set to be conferred with a Chieftaincy title of IKEMBA DI UGWU.
The Medical Practitioner and Health Consultant will be conferred with the prestigious traditional honour by the Anaocha Council of Traditional Rulers in Anambra State for his contributions to human capital development, human resource management, socio-economic development of his community and beyond, society-building as well as his philanthropic gesture.
According to a release made available by Dr Okeke’s media aide, Emeka Alex Okoye, the founder of Aspire FC and Chief Executive of the RISE Clinic will be conferred with the prestigious title in the land on Saturday, 18th September 2021, at the Anaocha Local Government Headquarters, Neni by 11 am.
Dr. Okeke who hails from Adazi-Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, apart from being a medical practitioner has carved a niche for himself and the community with the establishment of Aspire Football Club owing to his passion for sports and special bias for the round leather game. Aspire FC within four years of its establishment won the biggest competition in the state in the mold of the Neros Anambra FA Cup in 2019.
Dr. Okeke during a short stint in 2020 as the Caretaker Committee Chairman, ANSFA, redefined football management and administration via “MY ANAMBRA FOOTBALL” project which gave birth to ‘My ANAMBRA FOOTBALL SUPER 8’ competition with the maiden edition featuring 27 football clubs drawn across the state and eventually won by GP World FA of Nnewi.
The ‘Super 8’ today serves as a springboard for qualification to play in the fourth tier of Nigerian club football (The Nationwide League 2). Notable also amongst his contribution to the growth of the game is the befitting Secretariat given to the ANSFA Board and instituting a Health Insurance scheme for footballers and club sides in Anambra State.
, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okeke is set to be conferred with a Chieftaincy title of IKEMBA DI UGWU.){kind=link}