ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu; Chairman of Rangers International FC of Enugu, Prince Davidson Owumi and top Nigeria Football Federation officials were among the dignitaries who at the weekend paid their last respect to the late NFF Board Member and Chairman of the Nigeria National League, Hon. Chidi Ofo Okenwa.
1stnewsonline.com gathered that on Friday, the remains of Okenwa were interred at his family compound, Ogonogo Eji by Akpugo in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu, amid a torrent of tributes. It was indeed the closure of the final chapter in the life of a most effervescent, ebullient and charismatic figure in the history of Nigerian Football.
At the final rites of passage for the departed Okenwa, Chairman of Chairmen of Nigerian Football and Member of the NFF Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, described him as “a hero and encyclopedia. His knowledge of the game was quite vast. He lived a good and virtuous life and will always be in our hearts.”
Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Member of the NFF Board and Chairman of Enyimba FC, described Okenwa as a “pace-setter” and “innovator” with grassroots development programmes, promising that this would be sustained in the South-East region.
Mr. Lawrence Katken, chief operating officer of the Nigeria National League, said Okenwa, his former boss, was “a true professional and an embodiment of hard work.”
In a tribute delivered to the family, President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, wrote, “Everyone connected in one way or the other with Nigerian Football realises that a big tree has fallen in our country’s game and this particular tree would be hard to replace. Okenwa started his education in football administration quite early and learnt so well that at the time he died, he was right there at the top of his game and in the vanguard of those who could be termed the chief custodians and oracles of the Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Conventions of association football within the Nigerian territory and beyond.
“His wide and deep knowledge of the game at all levels made him a stand-out Member of the Congress of Nigerian Football, long before he became a Member of the NFF Executive Committee, where he continued to play the same role with gusto and effervescence. His death at this time has, without any gainsaying, robbed Nigerian Football of a colourful, capable and diligent administrator, whose enthusiasm was unmatched by many and whose sense of duty fiercely challenged senior colleagues, peers and youngsters.”
Okenwa, who also was the Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, breathed his last on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, after a brief illness. News of his demise was like a thunderbolt, leaving the Nigerian Football family crestfallen.
1stnewsonline.com furtherlearntthat thesimple, humble and devoted servant of the game, Okenwa, pursued projects and tasks handed to him with uncommon gusto, infecting all around him with his enthusiasm, concerned only with successful execution of assignments. His preferred outcome for tasks was ‘executed’, not ‘excuses’. His famous mirth, good humour and readiness and willingness to assist the other man, borne out of character traits of humility and humanity, will ensure that though he is gone and his body interred, the image of the man will remain indelible among football followers in the country for much, much longer time.
Also at the final rites were NFF Board Members, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh; Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande; Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; Mr. Emmanuel Ibah and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali.
Others are NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme; Dr. Robinson Okosun (Deputy Director, Technical); Lawrence Katken; Mr. Magaji Abdullahi (Head, Admin); Mr. Barnabas Joro (Head of Protocol) and other NFF staff.
There were also Senator Obinna Ogba (Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports), Sir E. C. Chukwuemeka (Chairman, Abia State FA), Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam (Chairman, Imo State FA), Hon. Osaro Asemota (Chairman, Edo State FA), Mr. Sunday Longbap (Chairman, Plateau State FA), Mr. Umar Suleiman Isah (Chairman, Kogi State FA), Mr. Isa Ladan Bosso (President, Nigeria Football Coaches Association), Baba Yabagi (Vice Chairman, Niger State FA), Sir Emma Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA), former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu and former Nigeria internationals Chikelue Iloenyosi, Kinglsey Obiekwu and Bethel Orji.