Dr Amos Adamu, former Director General of the Nigeria National Sports competition, has been named as the Grand Patron of Okwaraji Under-16 All Nigeria Annual Secondary School Football competition.
Adamu, while accepting the offer during a courtesy visit by members of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation at his residence in Abuja, extolled the legacy of the late Samuel Okwaraji, highlighting his sacrifice for Nigerian football and sports development at large. He pledged full support to the foundation’s mission of preserving Okwaraji’s legacy and making the championship a success. He also stressed the need for the government and corporate organizations to support grassroots sports programs like the Okwaraju tournament in the interest of the Nigerian youths.
Also present at the visit was former Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia, who expressed gratitude to Dr. Adamu for his enduring contributions to Nigerian sports. Siasia emphasized that the championship has the potential to groom future stars in the mold of Samuel Okwaraji.
In his opening remarks, Secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, Chidozie Achonwa, described Okwaraji as a national icon and a beacon of hope for Nigerian youth. He reiterated the importance of sports as a unifying force and an ideal way to honor a hero who gave his all on the field. Achonwa also extended appreciation to Dr. Adamu for his role in repatriating Okwaraji’s belongings from Belgium to Nigeria.
The championship will feature secondary schools from across the country, culminating in a grand finale in Abuja.
Dignitaries in attendance included Former Super Eagles Coach and Player, Samson Siasia; The Former Captain of First Bank Basketball Team, Stella Agu; Dr. Okechukwu Duru; Secretary of the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation, Achonwa Chidozie.
