UME AND DOSAD'S 2015 SPORTS FEST; GRAND FINALE OF FATHERS’ WORK OUT - O’star Eze

Bishop Okpaleke, Chief Ume receiving his plaque, Rev.Fr Coach Dike

I'd quite agree with Chief Sir Victor Ume who said, at the event of DOSAD's sports fest grand finale, that NEROS STADIUM can be equated to Arsenal's Emirate stadium. I have never seen any land so perfectly flat like that. Flat. Green.

It was a Saturday, June 27, 2015 and as we drove into the massive stadium inside what looks like a valley (obviously under construction) in our green car, we encountered quite a handful people under a couple of canopies. We even thought we were late given the 12:30pm we were given as commencement time, only to hear the MC say, as we got in at 2:30pm, 'Now, let us start the activities that brought us here today.' And suddenly, the whole stadium went aflame with several activities at the same time; some were playing football in red and white jerseys - Awka and Ekwulobia regions teams respectively; others were spectators - cheering, jeering, analyzing, standing up and being dragged back down to a seat or asked to step aside and stop blocking views; yet others, led by the Director of DOSAD, were being given Recognitions of Excellence/Awards in Sports. If you were not told, you would find it hard to accept that the professional looking footballers sweating it out on the beautiful field are clergymen who would don grim-looking cassocks the next day conducting solemn mass service in church the next day.

On the grand patron category were Senator Dr. Chris Ngige and Hon. Valentine Ayika both of whom sponsored the tennis event of the sports fiesta; Senator Annie Okonkwo who sponsored the volleyball event; Chief Sir Anthony Enukeme, who availed the priests free use of his hotel's sports/recreation facilities; His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano and Sir Charles Ezeudogu, all of whom were ably represented and Chief Sir Victor Umeh (OFR), who was very present at the event and donated 3 million naira towards to football event. 

For the Award of Excellence in Sports Promotion in Anambra State were Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the owner of prestigious Rojenny Sports/Recreation complex, Oba (in attendance); Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, the owner of Gabros FC, Beverly Hills Sports/ Recreation Complex; Chief Poly Ike Emenike (MON), owner of NEROS sports complex, Nanka and sponsor of NEROS Anambra federation cup; Dr Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, owner of Ifeanyi Ubah FC, COPA, Lagos, Anambra Warriors, Ubah Games Village; Senator Andy Ubah (MFR), owner of Anambra United FC.

So many other distinguished gentlemen were given award as Sports/Club promoters in Anambra State, prominent amongst whom were the Anambra State Health Commissioner - Dr Joe Akabuike, ably represented by his wife and daughter (damsels); Dr. Sir Ernest Obiejesi, Senator Iyom Ekwunife, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, Dr. Hygers Igwebuike, Chief Titus Anigbogu, Mr Godwin Ezeemo.

cross section of some of the dignitaries in attendance. www.ostareze.com

DOSAD (Directorate of Sports Awka Diocese)'s director, Rev. Fr. Coach Obinna Dike related in his address that the directorate's 2015 sporting event was flagged off on Tuesday, February 10 at AUSTICA sports complex and was meant to promote fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness amongst priests. He expressed his appreciation for the generous support of distinguished Anambrarians who made the sporting event a grand one. Rev. Fr. Dike also revealed DOSAD's other projects calling for sponsorship/patronage. Victor Umeh, the Alpha male of the event, shared his satisfaction with the turn out of events and said he was glad the revered priests were exercising themselves. He posited that he had been looking forward to the grand finale and asked all well-to-do Anambrarians to continue giving the clergy their unalloyed support as he has vowed to continue doing.

Sir Okeke Ogene receiving plaque on behalf of NEROS CEO

The hilarious 'Nankarian', Sir Damian Okeke Ogene revealed that NEROS was derived from 'Nanka Erosion' and that NEROS stadium was situated on an erosion site. The Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Bishop Peter Okpalaeke chaired the event, while the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2015 Games, vibrant Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Chidume functioned as the referee of the final match between Awka Region and Ekwulobia Region.

As was witnessed by www.ostareze.com reporters, Ekwulobia Region carried the day winning with 2 goals to 1 against Awka region in an interesting albeit professional- looking game of football. The weather was friendly, more money donated and the many spectators ecstatic.

Winners of the Gold cup: DOSAD Ekwulobia region team