A football competition in honour of the Late Super Eagles midfielder Mr. Sam Okwaraji will soon commence in Imo State.
In a Press release made available to newsmen in Owerri, the initiator and sponsor of the competition, Mr. Okey Ezeh revealed that the competition is his own little way of celebrating patriotism and excellence which he said, the soccer icon still represents.
He said that the football competition will involve youths in the 27 L.G.As and all higher institutions in Imo State
Mr. Okey Ezeh who is the Chairman of the Okechukwu Theodore Eze Foundation lamented a situation whereby Successive governments hardly recognize the importance of honoring patriotic citizens who served the country mentoriously and even died in the service of the nation.The Mbaise-born Management Consultant and had earlier paid a visit to the Okwaraji family at their Enugu residence where he was received by the mother of the ex-footballer, Mrs. Janeth Okwaraji and her son and Elder brother of Late Sam Okwaraji, Mr. Pat Okwaraji.Speaking during the visit, Sam Okwaraji’s mother thanked Mr. Okey Ezeh for the visit which she said would really go a long way in improving her health condition.
The elder brother of the Late Soccer Star who expressed delight with the visit stated that, it was the first time a prominent Imo son would be visiting the family and unveiling a programme in honour of his late younger brother who died in active National Service. He assured Mr. Ezeh and his team of the willingness of the family to partner with the Okey Ezeh Foundation.
Mr. Pat Okwaraji who wept while speaking at the occasion described as unfortunate and discouraging the fact, that his brother who had a Master’s Degree at the age of 23 years and died serving the country would be forgotten just like that.According to him, “My younger brother made first class at the age of 20 years, got his Masters Degree at the age of 23 and was writing his PHD thesis when he died for Nigeria”.
He stated that the story of how his late younger brother was able to combine Education and footballing can inspire a lot of younger people who may not believe that it is possible.
