Sports, tool for national development, tourism, says Iwuanyanwu

The Founder of Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC of Owerri and a renowned Nigerian politician and entrepreneur, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has expressed his commitment to support the African Support African Tourism Awards (ASTA) in advancing the Nigerian sports sector.

Iwuanyanwu, who doubled as the President General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide, was formally inducted as the Grand Patron of Africa Sports and Tourism Awards (ASTA), marking a significant milestone in the industry. Iwuanyanwu said: “I’m 80 years old, but still strong enough. I have a few more years to go. I’ll do everything to support sports and tourism.

“I have always shown interest in sports because I like sports so much. I even have the Iwuanyanwu club; I established it to train younger ones who have potential.

“KanuNwankwo was one of those small boys who used to pick the ball for us. He went through the Iwuanyanwu Club, then, we saw he was very good. We picked him the first year he played for us.”

They played in Saudi Arabia, that is Under 20, and he did well. “The greatest thing that binds Nigeria together is football. Nigerians worship football, but not just Nigeria, even many other countries.

“Sports is a tool for national development, tourism, economic development, and also supports building character and bringing entertainment to people.” In acknowledgment of the achievements of ASTA founder Amb. Peace Onuiri, Iwuanyanwu commended the organisation’s efforts in promoting sports, particularly football.

“I know ambassador, you and your team are on the right path in sports, football in particular. People watch football. Every person has a sport they love.”
Also speaking, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “When we are talking about Sports and Tourism, it is something that we really need to be serious about because it is something that will bring people together in different capacities.

“A lot of people don’t know what we have here in Africa, unless we try as much as possible to give them the opportunity to come close to Africa and see what we really have.”

While commending the Ambassador, he said, “Everybody knows what you have done for football, and I must commend you for trying to see how you can make this choice to make Chief the life patron of this great organisation.

On his part, former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, said: “If we are going to talk about a few in Nigeria that have made people, your name will come first.

“For a young child who is growing up in Kaduna, in the ages, Iwuanyanwu national made us want to play football? That’s the truth of it.

“If we’ll talk about football, then definitely we’ll talk about you. We’ll talk about the development and growth of humans. We’ll talk about you in Nigeria.

“The awards are a well-deserved honor, and I am honored to be sitting beside you,” Amokachi stated.