Onitsha Country Club Groundbreaking On Tennis Academy, 300-capacity Sports Pavilion
…Honours Distinguished Members, Presents Medals To “Demolition Squad”
By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
With sports fast becoming a powerful tool for youth development and community pride, the Onitsha Country Club is pushing the boundaries of what a private recreational institution can achieve.
The club has marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new Tennis Academy and a 300-capacity Sports Pavilion, an ambitious project expected to strengthen its status as one of Nigeria’s leading recreational hubs.
The ceremony, held on 23 November, blended celebration with symbolism as members gathered for prayers led by Rev. Fr. Peter Areh of Immaculate Heart Parish, Fegge.
The highlight was the laying of the foundation stone by Sir Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, represented by Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba.
Ezenna expressed confidence that the project could be completed in as little as five months, praising the club’s passion and organisational strength.
Club President, Chief Anietonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, said the Tennis Academy would serve as a launching pad for young talents in Fegge, giving children access to training that could shape their futures.
He explained that the idea was inspired by Sir Ezenna, whose support had also enabled the demolition of an old structure to make way for the new facility.
Ajulufo further highlighted the club’s growing reputation, boasting back-to-back victories at the Fada Pita Tournament and a recent ping-pong triumph at the Dynamic Sports Club International Tournament in Chicago, USA.
He also reaffirmed the elite status of the club’s “Demolition Squad,” ts top tennis players who defend the club’s honour in competitions at home and abroad.
The event also witnessed the conferral of Honorary Patron Awards on six distinguished personalities, including High Chief Okwuchukwu Anthony Madu, Chief Moses Umeh, Chief Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, Chief Sir J.I. Ukeje, High Chief Ogonna Olisah and Chief Ifeanyi Ojimba, who said he felt deeply humbled by the recognition.
Members of the Building Committee and club executives reaffirmed their commitment to producing world-class tennis talents, while Hon. Mimi Ifeoma Azikiwe, representing the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, applauded the initiative as a reflection of the innovative spirit of the Anambra people.
Other members, including Sir Willington Asiegbu Uzoechi, praised the club’s leadership for its vision and record-breaking progress as construction officially commenced on the transformative project.
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