Chairman of Nigerian Professional Football League side, Nasarawa United, Barrister Isaac Danladi, has expressed rude shock following the death of the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Chief Chidi Offor Okenwa whose sad event occurred today in Enugu after a brief illness.
According to Barr. Danladi,”It is with heavy heart but total submission to the will of Almighty God that I received the news of the sudden and untimely death of my very good friend, brother and ally”, he began.
He eulogised the Late Okenwa who was also Independent Board Chairman of Nigerian National League(NNL), and the fruitful times they spent together, describing him as a jolly good fellow.
“The late Chief Okenwa was a very nice person, particularly to me. I recall we were together as members of the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF), and recently, too, we served on the same Committee of the NFF Reforms Committee.
“Also, I have been on several national and international trips with him to represent the country as far as football is concerned.
“My last encounter with him, actually, was during that Committee Assignment in Benin City, Edo State.”
Barr. Danladi who is also Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners’ Association said the death of Okenwa was a huge loss to the entire football family in Nigeria.
“As Chairman of the Nigerian National League, which is the second tier of league football in Nigeria, he did all he could to bring the league to where it is today
“Certainly, the Nigerian Football Federation and football in general has lost one of their finest and best brains ever.
“He will be remembered for his contributions to the development of football, not only in Enugu State where hailed from, but Nigeria as a whole.”
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased person, while commiserating with those who are affected by the untimely death.
“The late Okenwa came, saw and conquered. Unfortunately, we are going to miss him for a very long time to come. May his soul rest in peace with the Lord.
“Consequently, on behalf of the entire Management, Staff, Officials and Players of Nasarawa United FC, my sincere thoughts and feelings go to his immediate family, the entire Enugu State football fraternity, Chairman and Board of Nasarawa State Football Association, the chairmen of the thirty-six States Football Associations as well as the FCT,Abuja, and the entire Board and Executive Members of the Nigerian Football Federation under the leadership of Melvin Amaju Pinnick.
“May God in His infinite mercies continue to give us the wisdom, courage, fortitude and strength to be able to bear the irreplaceable loss as death is a necessary end and it will come when it will come”, Barr. Isaac Danladi prayed.
