By Ikenna Nwokedi
The standing committees set up by the board of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) under the leadership of Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi (The General) were officially inaugurated on Tuesday, 28th May 2024 at the ANSFA Secretariat complex in Awka.
The four standing committees are the Organizing Committee, Referees Appointment Committee, Disciplinary Committee and Media/Publicity Committee. The Organizing Committee is led by the ANSFA Vice-Chairman, Chief Victor Aniekwena while other members are Chief Uzor Epundu, Coach Obi Moneke, Mr. Ifeanyi Ojukwu and ANSFA scribe, Mr. Ralph Nweke as the Secretary.
The Referees' Appointment Committee is led by Mrs Cordelia Akanna as the Chairman, while other members are Mr. Collins Obiefuna, Mr. John Ubendu, Mr. Collins Ozigbo, Mr. Austin Mkparu, Mr. Ralph Awugosi and Mr. Ralph Nweke as the Secretary. The Disciplinary Committee is led by Chief Uzor Epundu as Chairman, other Members are Sir Victor Nwangwu, Mr. Arthur Egbunam, Coach Paul Obiakor and Chief Kenneth Onyeka while the Media/Publicity Committee is led by Mr. Ralph Chigozie George as the Chairman with Mr. Michael Onwuzulike, Mr. Sab Osuji, Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi and Mr. Obinna Ndema as members.
In his address during the inauguration, ANSFA Boss, Chief Iloenyosi informed that the essence of the inauguration is to empower football stakeholders in the state to work with executives of the ANSFA board in achieving her mission of a seamless football administration and ensuring football as the 'King of Sports' thrives in the state by empowering talented youths to earn a career by playing the beautiful game.
Sir Victor Nwangwu while reeling out the terms of reference for the various committees commended the ANSFA Chairman for the move which he described as a good step in the right direction. The experienced football administrator urged the members to ensure they keep to the tenets of the game and ensure football dynamics is felt in every nook and cranny of the state.
He said: "It's my pleasure to be part of this inauguration as for the first time we are having a standing committee and this shows that we are doing the right thing which is important for the growth of the game. We must be reminded that we must keep to the tenets of football administration.
"We have to work hard to promote and market the association through our work at the various committees and in the discharge of our duties we cannot be found wanting or engaging in actions that will bring the game to disrepute. Let me acknowledge the Chairman in a special way for doing the right things that will ensure the growth of the game in the state," Nwangwu said.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Sir Aniekwena pledged loyalty and support to the board towards moving Anambra football to the next level while in his vote of thanks, the ANSFA scribe, Mr. Nweke thanked the ANSFA Chairman for the opportunity to serve in the various committes, he also urged the committee members to ensure their activities are in consonance with football ethos.
