Soludo, E-Money, Stella Oduah Lead Dignitaries as Onitsha Country Club Unveils Tennis Pavilion
By Juliana Nwachukwu
It was a gathering of the crème de la crème on Sunday, June 14, as Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo; business mogul, Dr. Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money; APGA senatorial candidate, Dr. Mrs. Stella Oduah; and other distinguished personalities graced the commissioning of a 150-seat standard Tennis Pavilion and a 50-metre one-storey Heineken Bar at the Onitsha Country Club, Fegge.
Other notable guests at the event included the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze; former Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter, Chief Chukwuemekalum Udodeme (Odegba); the member representing Onitsha South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Ezenwa; and the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Emeka Orji.
Governor Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Dr. Patrick Aghamba, said that the administration’s agenda is to transform sports from a mere recreational activity into a strategic tool for capacity building and economic growth.
He noted that the newly commissioned facilities align with the governor’s vision of human capital development and the expansion of the sports economy in Anambra State.
Dr. Aghamba commended the leadership and members of the club for the remarkable achievement, describing the project as a reflection of vision, commitment, and progress.
According to him, meaningful development occurs when individuals and organisations invest in critical infrastructure that benefits society.
He further emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a vital foundation for youth development, healthy living, talent discovery, and social cohesion, as it provides a conducive environment for engagement and personal growth.
The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money), Nwanayoeze n’Uli, announced his support for the promotion of tennis by authorising the club chairman, Chief Anietonwa Kingsley, to organise a tournament with a cash prize and a brand-new car for the eventual winner.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the commissioning, E-Money described the event as “amazing” and commended the club’s leadership for their commitment to sports development.
He noted that sports foster unity, love, and friendship among people, while applauding the president and executive committee of the club for a job well done.
Responding, the Chairman of Onitsha Country Club, Chief Anietonwa Kingsley, expressed profound appreciation to E-Money for honouring the invitation and for his generous pledge towards sports development in the state.
Chief Kingsley described the proposed tournament and car prize as unprecedented in the history of tennis promotion in Nigeria.
He revealed that the Tennis Pavilion was specifically designed to host major competitions and noted that the club’s four tennis courts position it favourably to host national tournaments in Onitsha.
In his welcome address, the President of the Club, Chief Ajulufo, said the project symbolises progress, vision, and determination.
According to him, the Tennis Pavilion and Heineken Bar represent strategic investments in the future of the club, the development of energetic youths, and the advancement of sports within the Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency.
He commended the Tennis Pavilion Building Committee, led by High Chief Ndubuisi Anekwe, Nwamulunamma n’Anaocha, for their dedication and tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
Former Senator Stella Oduah, who was represented by the incoming Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Mofus Ezeoba (Orimili Nando), congratulated the club on the successful completion of the project and lauded its contributions to youth and sports development.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze, represented by Barr. Uzoma Eli, described sports as a powerful instrument for promoting peace, unity, discipline, and talent development among young people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Emeka Orji, praised the club for achieving what he described as a significant milestone.
He noted that sports remain one of the strongest bonds capable of uniting individuals, communities, and nations irrespective of cultural or social differences.
The Chairman of the Tennis Pavilion Building Committee, High Chief Ndubuisi Anekwe, Nwamulunamma n’Anaocha, who also served as Chairman of the occasion, stated that the facility was built not only for club members but also for public use.
He explained that one of the major objectives of the project is to catch children young and nurture future tennis champions.
He therefore urged parents to encourage their children and wards to enrol in the club’s newly established tennis academy.
Also represented at the event was the Chairman of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, who sent his goodwill message through Chief Kingsley Uduh.
Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, the induction of new members into the club, and the formal inauguration of the Onitsha Country Club Tennis Academy, a programme aimed at discovering and nurturing young tennis talents within and beyond Anambra State.
