Centenary Anniversary: Aba Sports Club 1926 Honours 

78 Personalities at Presidential Award and Gala Night

It was a night of glitz, glamour and celebration over the weekend as Aba Sports Club 1926 held its Award and Gala Night at the Golf section car park, as part of activities marking the club’s 100 Years of existence.

The event, organised by the Centenary Anniversary Planning Committee led by Ambassador Darlington Nwokolo brought together members, past leaders, awardees, distinguished guests and friends of the club.

It could be recalled that the club founded as Aba European Club in 1921 and incorporated in 1926 as a Private Membership Club, was initially exclusively European until the admission of its first African member, Sir Louis Mbanefo, who later became a trustee, paving the way for increased African membership and the election of its first Nigerian President, Mr. Raleke Nwosu, in 1970.

Following independence, the Club was renamed Aba Club, then Aba Sports Club on 14th October 1982 to reflect its growing interest in sports, and finally Aba Sports Club 1926 on 16th November 2016 to reflect its year of registration, a name it has retained till date. Presently, the club boasts of 2,500 members.

In his address, the Hon. 68th President, Sir Nkene Louis Enukeme, thanked members and partners for their loyalty and contributions which have sustained the club for a century.

The president said: “So far, we have done so well in terms of organising the centenary events to mark this celebration. The award and gala night was to encourage our members to continue to show their support, and to enjoy the evening while it lasted.

“It was a great event, and it ended well. We are now looking forward to the next line-up of events as we continue to mark the celebration of 100 years of the club.”

Similarly, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Ambassador Nwokolo stated that the gala night was a huge success. “It was a beautiful evening, we had our pretty ladies, our gentlemen, and our elders who graced the occasion. The night was truly awesome, and a wonderful event.

“The motivation behind honouring both our members and non-members was simple: to encourage them and to say thank you. These are people who supported our President during this centenary celebration, and we felt it was only right to appreciate them for their support.

“Without their support, the events we have held so far would not have been possible. Their support really helped us to go a long way in organizing the functions we have had in the past, and also the one we held on Friday, the Centenary Presidential Awards Launch and Gala Night.

“So, I want to thank God for a successful event. My prayer is for the remaining events we have ahead. Another event is scheduled for November 23rd, the Road show. On November 30th is the Novelty Football Match. The Symposium/Lecture Series is coming up on 2nd December at the Club Main Hall, and then the Grand Finale on 4th December at the Tennis Court.

“My prayer is that God will help us to make all these programmes successful as well. That is our prayer. I just want to return all the glory to God.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to 78 distinguished members, past leaders and partners whose dedication and service have kept the flag of the club flying for 100 years.

The Distinguished Presidential Awardees were Chief Humphrey Nwachukwu, Pastor Felix Ebuade, Chief G. C. Ubah, Chief Chijioke Nnaji, Barr. Uche Umenne, Chief Ogochukwu Mgbii, Mr. Chris Mba, Chief Sam Anyamele, Chief F.C. Egoigbo, Chief Steven Chukwuezeora, Chief Ndubuisi Okoye, and Amb. Darlington Nwokolo.

Also, Chief Onyeka Udeaja, Chief Chibuike Oshaba, Chief Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Chief Paul Metu, Prince Okorie Harrison Eze, Chief Chinasa Ukaegbu, Sir Eze Onuorah, Chief Robinson Ugwueke, Chief Emma Odoh, Chief Clement Chiadikobi, Chief Emeka Diwe, Chief Chike Enukeme (Tonimas Group), Chief Felix Agu, and Chief Uche Osuji.

Similarly,  Prince Bobby Dick, Chief Valentine Chinedu, Prince Onyekachi Nwachukwu, Chief Ikechukwu Okoye Egbune, Chief Emeka Nnoli, Chief Shaka Obasi, Chief Sir Uzoma Nnadozie Obolo, Chief Chinedu Ani, Chief Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Chief Louis Ezeh, Dr Ikenna Okafor, Engr. Ejike Nwaogu, Chief Uche Okafor, Chief Ossy Amamgbo, and Chief Uchenna Chiwuzie.

Furthermore, Sir James Ikoro, Owelle Greg Okafor, Chief Boniface Mbachu, Chief Obiora Okpara Ojiego, Chief Christian Ahalu Ekwe, Chief Chidiebere Paul Ezenwoba, Chief Chibueze Ezike, Chief Ernest Ejidike, Chief Okoye Innocent, Chief Chidolue Chukwuka, Chief Nnamdi Ezeukwu, Chief Austin Morah, Sir Uzoma Ibeawuchi, Andrew Ijiomah Ogbonnaya, and Chief Sorochi Mark.

Under Merit Presidential Awardees were Mazi Kennedy Okoro, Chief Odinaka Udeze, Chief Charles Ozoilo, Chief Celestine Esimoneze, Chief Gabriel Okonkwo, Chief Stephen Ezeibe, Mazi Joseph Ofojindu, Chief Kennedy Onuimo, and Chief Chukwudiegwu Umeh.

Others were Chief Obi Leo Medani, Chief Emeka Dukes, Chief Uchenna Atukosi, Chief Odera Okeke, Mazi Martins Orizu, Chief Chibueze Umejesi, Chief Adimora Onunkwo, Chief Chidiebere Igbokwe, Chief Ifeanyi Amuka, Mayor Johnson Orji Chief Otuosoro Nworisa, Chief Ikechukwu Udechukwu, and Chief Casmir Nnolim.