Onitsha Country Club Flags Off Tennis Academy, 300-Seat Sports Pavilion …Honours Distinguished Members, Decorates “Demolition Squad”

BY GLORY UGOBA
THE Onitsha Country Club has inched closer to its dream of becoming Nigeria’s leading recreational destination with the groundbreaking of a Tennis Academy and a 300-capacity Sports Pavilion on November 23.

The colourful event also saw the club honour six distinguished personalities with Honorary Patron Awards and decorate members of its elite tennis team, popularly known as the Demolition Squad.

A Vision Taking Shape

Club President, Chief Anietonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, said the Tennis Academy would serve as a training hub for children in Fegge, with the long-term goal of grooming future tennis champions.

He described the Demolition Squad as a high-performing group of players who defend the club’s honour at major tennis and table tennis tournaments locally and internationally.

The ceremony opened 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.

Foundation Stone Laid

Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Chairman of Orange Drugs Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sir Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa), performed the foundation-laying ceremony through his representative, Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba (Ekwueme Akokwa).

Ezenna expressed confidence that the project would be delivered earlier than scheduled.

“The President has said it won’t take more than six months. I believe the Onitsha Country Club can even beat that. With passion and commitment, this project can be completed in five months,” he declared.

In his welcome remarks, Chief Ajulufo commended Sir Ezenna for backing the initiative, saying the project became a priority after the BoT Chairman challenged him to identify a signature development for his second term.

He also highlighted the club’s recent sporting achievements, including four consecutive wins at the Fada Pita Tournament and victory in the Dynamic Sports Club International Ping Pong Tournament in Chicago, USA.

Honour for Distinguished Members

Six personalities received Honorary Patron Awards. One of the honorees, Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba, described the recognition as humbling, pledging to ensure transparent use of project funds.

Chairman of the Building Committee, Patrick Ndubuisi Aniekwe, said the pavilion and academy would help nurture young talent in the community.

The club’s Vice President, Barr. (Dr.) Ikenna Ibeh, added that the academy was designed to produce world-class athletes who could build successful careers in professional sports.

Commendations from Dignitaries

Representing 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 commended the project as a reflection of the resilience and collaborative spirit for which Anambra people are known.

Recipients of the Honorary Patron Awards included:

• High Chief Okwuchukwu Anthony Madu

• Chief Moses Umeh, CEO, Moses & Kosi Enterprises Ltd

• Chief Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, Dozzy Group of Companies

• Chief Sir J.I. Ukeje, Chairman, Ejison Group of Companies

• High Chief Ogonna Olisah, C-Ray Group of Companies

Other members, including Sir Willington Asiegbu Uzoechi (Onwa Umuahia), applauded the club’s leadership for its commitment to development and progress.