By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA – Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed sadness over the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing them as incredible icons.
Sen Enoh who eulogised the two patriotic Nigerians in a statement released on Sunday, said he had the privilege of witnessing firsthand their tireless efforts to promote sports development in our great nation.
According to him, Chief Iwuanyanwu, a true pioneer, founded the renowned Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now known as Heartland Football Club. His legacy extends far beyond the football field, as he united communities and created opportunities for our youth.
Similarly, the minister described Senator Ubah as a visionary leader who sponsored and owned FC Ifeanyi Ubah, the 2016 Federations Cup champions. Adding that his dedication to sports development has left an indelible mark on our nation’s sporting landscape.
In his words: ” Both men were more than just sports enthusiasts; they were nation-builders who understood the transformative power of sports. Their contributions have paved the way for future generations to excel.
“As we celebrate their remarkable lives, let us draw inspiration from their passion, commitment, and patriotism. May their legacies continue to inspire us to strive for excellence and make Nigeria a dominant force in global sports.”
The statement reads in full:
Today, I join the entire sports community in Nigeria to mourn the loss of two incredible icons, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. As the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand their tireless efforts to promote sports development in our great nation.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, a true pioneer, founded the renowned Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now known as Heartland Football Club. His legacy extends far beyond the football field, as he united communities and created opportunities for our youth.
Senator Ubah, a visionary leader, sponsored and owned FC Ifeanyi Ubah, the 2016 Federations Cup champions. His dedication to sports development has left an indelible mark on our nation’s sporting landscape.
Both men were more than just sports enthusiasts; they were nation-builders who understood the transformative power of sports. Their contributions have paved the way for future generations to excel.
As we celebrate their remarkable lives, let us draw inspiration from their passion, commitment, and patriotism. May their legacies continue to inspire us to strive for excellence and make Nigeria a dominant force in global sports.
Precise Post recalls that until.his death on Thursday, Iwuanyanwu was the leader of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo. He was also the owner and publisher of Champion Newspapers.
Also, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who died on Saturday at London hospital was the owner of Capital Oil and publisher of Authority Newspapers a football club owner. They will be dearly missed because they were employers of labour in their own rights.
