The fund, according to the foundation, was part of its support to the innovative programmes of the recently inaugurated FA board led by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, to place the Anambra State on the path to football glory.
Chairman of the Foundation, Emma Ogwueleka, said that new leadership of the State FA has given the people of Anambra hope for bountiful benefits from football through the wonderful ideas and programmes it has announced, adding: “They deserve every support we can muster to encourage a noble course.” Some of the areas the FA is expected to invest the funds include the refurbishing and furnishing of its new secretariat with state-of-art facilities. The Football Made in Anambra project is an exceptional initiative and we are extremely desirous of being a part of this epoch-making event.
Anambra State FA Executive Committee announced a novel initiative known as “Football Made in Anambra with massive grassroots football development as the bedrock for the realization of the ultimate objective of which is, changing the face of the game in the state.
“One thing that is most heartwarming about the new executive board under the leadership of Dr. Ubah, is that they are not thinking about football as just entertainment, they have ideas aimed at creating jobs for millions of unemployed youths in the state", Mr. Ogwueleka noted. “We want to encourage and support their vision. Anambra state is the home of talented footballers and we are ready to give our support for any project that will benefit the people. The Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation will continue to support the FA because we believe in their objectives and what they stand for”, he said.
In explaining the foundation's thoughts and intentions, Mr. Ogwueleka stated that the foundation was making the donation to assist the FA in reviving the activities of the local football councils as well as constructing befitting offices for the councils in their respective local governments. "This donation will also be channeled towards the development of women football in Anambra state as the FA seeks to kickstart Women football League in Anambra. Top on our desire is to support the '1 family-1 Footballer' initiative which we believe is an exceptional initiative" he said.
In appreciation for the support and vote of confidence passed on the association by the foundation, the Vice Chairman, Barrister J.B.C. Obikwelu expressively thanked the foundation for its show of solidarity, magnanimity, and extension of goodwill. The Vice chairman noted that the foundation was strategically positioned and positively poised to make Anambra State football great again. "Anambra State Football Association is back full time, stronger and better. We intend to leave an indelible mark in Nigeria's football circle. We will stop at nothing to make sure that through football, our youths are empowered" Obikwelu asserted. He concluded by adding that Anambra State Government will be grateful to the association as its leadership has set its eyes on being the greatest contributor to the state Internally generated revenue through football tourism.
The association's novel initiative "1 Family - 1 Footballer" is set to kick off soon.