On September 6, 2019, the second term of the governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, clocked 100 days. Here are giant strides his Excellency has made in the area of sports development.
Less than a week after he was sworn in, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu sponsored Enyimba International to the Nigeria Professional Football League Super Six in Lagos. Having provided the People’s Elephant with all they needed, the Aba side did not disappoint the sports-loving governor.
Their first match was against oriental brothers Rangers International of Enugu. The People’s Elephant pipped them 1-0..
Their secon match against kano Pillars did not go the way of the two-time CAF Champions League winners as they lost by two goals to nothing.
Enyimba international learnt from that defeat, made amends and won their remaining three matches. They dimmed Lobi Stars of Makurdi 3-1, the same score line with which they brushed FC Ifeanyi Ubah aside.
Their last match was against Akwa United and a must win as Kano pillars were only a point short of Enyimba’s 12 points.
Ruben Bala gave the People’s Elephant the lead on the 43rd minute. After the break, Stanley Dimgba and Abdulrahman Bashir scored to put the game beyond Akwa United and handed Enyimba their eighth League title just few days into Dr. Ikpeazu’s administration.
Dr. Ikpeazu did not rest on his oars despite this accomplishment. Rather, he gave the Peoples Elephant more support, which enabled them to qualify for the first round of the CAF Champions League after they saw off Rahimo of Burkina Faso 5-1 on aggregate.
Besides Enyimba International, Dr. Ikpeazu released funds for Abia Warriors and Abia Comets as they prepare for the commencement of this season’s NPFL and NNL respectively.
As a gender sensitive governor, Dr Ikpeazu did not neglect Abia Angels as they participate in the Women League.
Dr. Ikpeazu sponsored Team Abia to the ongoing National Youth Games going on in Ilorin the capital of Kwara State. the contingent is made up of 150 persons of which 104 are athletes.
It is the expectations of sports fans in the state that more great things will come their way under the able leadership of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.