NFF President, Aminu Maigari

The family of late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region and elder statesman, Eze Akanu Ibiam, have expressed support for the decision of the Nigeria  Football Federation (NFF) to organize a football championship among states in the old Eastern state in honour of the late nationalist.

Akanu was the traditional ruler of Unwana, Afikpo.

NFF President, Aminu Maigari had last week inaugurated a committee, led by the federation’s First Vice President, Mike Umeh to organize the first edition of the Akanu Ibiam Super Cup Championship, which is expected to begin in December.

In a letter signed by the head of the Gemede Palace and Regent of Unwana, Her majesty Princess Alu Ibiam, the family expressed happiness that many years after the death of the late nationalist leader, people have in conjunction with the management of the NFF moved to immortalize his name with the football championship that will be named after the late premier.

Princess Alu Ibiam, who was also made the grand matron of the championship, promised to work with the members of the tournaments organizing committee to ensure that it becomes a huge success, adding that the tournament would be used to highlight some of the achievements of their late father when he was alive.

“I commend your thoughtfulness in organising a soccer championship to sensitize the eastern youths and indeed the entire Nigerian Youths on the positive contributions of late Ezeogo Dr Akanu Ibiam as  a bridge builder and for all his selfless sacrifice in the service of our dear nation ,which are worthy of emulation by all generations. I humbly accept the honour to serve as the grand matron and the endorsement of the championship. While I express my profound gratitude for the honour, I look forward to a successful competition,” the regent stated in her endorsement letter, which was sent to the Local Organizing Committee last week.