Onitsha Country Club Constructs N100m, 300-Capacity Tennis Pavilion

Anaetonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, President, Onitsha Country Club, Fegge, Onitsha.

By Ikemefuna Asika

Onitsha Country Club has begun the construction of a N100 million, 300-capacity tennis pavilion that will also house a tennis academy.

This was disclosed by the President of the Club, Anaetonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, while conducting journalists around the project site within the club premises.

“What you are seeing here is the construction of the Onitsha Country Club’s 300-capacity tennis pavilion,” “There used to be a bungalow here that had stood for thirty years, but because we are landlocked and seeking to improve the infrastructure within the club, we had to demolish the bungalow to make way for a new pavilion.”he said.

Ajulufo explained that the pavilion will accommodate a tennis academy, in line with the club’s desire to teach children in Fegge how to play tennis.

“This sports pavilion will house a tennis academy because the club wants to bring the kids of Fegge together and teach them how to play tennis. That is one of the major reasons for this project. The building also includes a hall, changing rooms, and staff quarters, while the first floor will serve as the pavilion.”he added.

On the funding, he stated that the project is being financed by club members, philanthropists, and friends of the club. He appealed to the government for support, noting that the initiative serves a broader social purpose.

“This project is a one hundred million naira, self-sponsored initiative. That is the target we set for it, and so far, God has been faithful. We gave ourselves a six-month deadline to complete the project. We are also calling on the government to support us as we work to take Fegge children off the streets. Although this is a sports club, everything you see here is funded by members and voluntary donations from well-meaning individuals. That has been our major source of funding.”he stated.

Ajulufo also revealed plans to construct a miniature football pitch to expand the range of sports available to members.

“We are converting part of the club that previously housed a badminton court into a miniature football pitch. You know it is the trend now—many businessmen in their 40s and 50s play football once they are done with work. That is why we want to create a five-a-side pitch for members.”he stated

Addressing the issue of facility maintenance, he expressed confidence that the club will elect a capable successor to continue his efforts as his tenure draws to a close.

He added that once the project is completed and other tennis facilities receive a facelift, the club will be able to host national tournaments.

“Once this pavilion is completed, I believe we should be able to get national accreditation. Some of the national tennis tournaments held in Abuja and Lagos can also be hosted here.”Ajulufo said.

Ajulufo further advised the public to engage in regular exercise to maintain physical fitness.