Country Club Rekindles Relationship With Nigerian Army, Commissions Squash Hall in Anambra
By Ada Nwanagum
The Onitsha Country Club has renovated and commissioned the long abandoned Nigerian Army Squash hall into a state of the art facility.
The commissioning which took place last week at the club house attracted prominent individuals including men of the Nigerian army and the Nigerian police force, it also featured award presentation and Timjam Health Drink international promotional tournaments closing ceremony.
The renovation of the historic squash hall is part of the club’s effort to rekindle and strengthen its age long relationship with the Nigerian army which dates back to 1974 when the vicinity served as a barack and playground for the Nigerian Army.
The hall was named after HRM Igwe Charles Ezeudeogu (kSS), Igwe Orazulunye, Obi lol of Ichida, for his active involvement contributions and impact to the club.
Speaking to our reporter, the special guest of honor at the ceremony Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Nandang, the Commanding Officer 14th Field Engineer Regimen Nigerian Army Onitsha appreciated the club for renovating the squash Hall and remembering their roots.
According to Lt. Col. Nandang “the squash game is an important game and is most cherished by the Nigerian Army because it keeps them agile and always on the move and “I believe that this event and Onitsha Country Club in particular will not just bring development but will enforce the needed synergy between the Nigerian army and the people of Onitsha.”
Speaking at the event the Royal father of the day also honoured as the Patron of the club, HRM igwe Charles Ezeudeogu (KSS), Obi of Ichida, and represented by Ambassador Chika Ezenwalie expressed joy over the award and commended the club for giving a facelift to the oldest standing building in the arena and for her cordial relationship with the Nigerian army .
Ambassador Ezenwalie is the chairman Ichida Great Forum, Onitsha branch.
Earlier, the President, Onitsha Country Club, Chief Kingsley Anietonwa during his welcome speech appreciated the Nigerian Army for honouring the club’s invitation, noting it was a testament that their relationship is still intact.
Chief Anietonwa said the aim of Onitsha Country Club is to encourage a broader participation in sports and recreational activities, disclosing that plans are in place to establish a tennis academy where children from the community and its environs will have access to sporting activities.
He extolled the state governor, Professor Chukwuma soludo for the massive road construction in the area, pointing out that the poor state of the road posed a challenge to the club’s activities.
The presentation and launching of the club’s trophy won at the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Fada Pita Tennis League, competed amongst all the sports club in Anambra state and the trophy awards to the winners of Timjam Health Drink International Promotional tournaments, competed among the clubs members was the highlight of the event.