Some call him mme mme atuegwu, meaning one immune to fear of events irrespective of size, shape, cost or duration. Many address him as Comrade, meaning a friend one can share his or her difficult and dangerous situations with: a dependable ally and a patriot.
The afermentioned statements refer to no other person but Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji, KSJI, the President of Owerri Sports Club and, by the grace of God, the National Treasurer of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities.
Though handsomely youthful, amiable and honest, his leadership qualities are never in doubt. He is focused, audaciously bold, target driven and kind. He is a team player, a go-getter and a good Clubber.
Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji is a Knight of Saint John International, hence the suffix, KSJI, after his name. He is by virtue of this development a Soldier of Jesus Christ, a defender of Christian faith. His love for the downtrodden is legendary. And so is his generosity.
From all indications, stating that Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji, KSJI, was fully prepared for the job of the President of Owerri Sports Club is nothing short of axiomatic. He had previously held almost all the available posts in the Club at different times. These include Maintenance Secretary, Bar Secretary, Financial Secretary, Vice President, Captain of Tennis Section, etc.
He believes so much in the Club and has invested heavily his time, ideas, financial and material resources to support its growth. Perhaps, more than any other person, Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji, imbued with passion for quality membership drive, has brought to the Club a good number of men and women with acceptable swag.
On assumption of office as President of Owerri Sports Club, following his overwhelming victory in a keenly contested Presidential election, President Uchenna Nwokeji chose to fearlessly and frontally confront a myriad of serious and frightening issues that threatened the continued existence of peace, harmony, love, brotherhood, friendship, sportsmanship among members of the Club.
His leadership style, sheer determination/ doggedness, effective communication, negotiation / crisis management skills were effectively utilized and he overtly and covertly overcame those seemingly monumental hurdles, to the glory of God.
His wisdom and audacious boldness made possible the following positive dividends in the Club.
1. Brought to a joyful end the hitherto misunderstanding between the Club and some Patrons that resulted in unhelpful litigations.
2. Successfully resolved the nagging issue of paucity of Trustees for the Club.
3. Successfully reviewed the Constitution and subsequently adopted same after many failed attempts in the past.
4. Improved sporting activities in the Club and participation in tournaments.
5. Enhanced financial and moral support for members: bereaved or celebrating.
6. Realized the age long dream of having two separate kitchens in the Club.
7. Achieved improved visibility of the Club in the eyes of members of the public given increased human traffic in the premises in recent times.
8. Enhanced infrastructural developments and increased positive financial supports from appreciative members.
9. Renovated and strengthened the Club’s Outdoor Lounge or Sit Out Area to avoid the imminent collapse of the Club’s Main Building.
10. Replaced the Club’s Change Over Box, thus avoided imminent fire outbreak at the Club’s Generator House.
11. Purchased over 500 seats for the club’s Multimedia Event Center.
12. Enthroned peace, unity, progress, harmony and prosperity in the Club.
It is also worthy of note that 48 years backlog arreas of the club’s debt to CAC,which amounted to several millions of Naira was paid by the Nwokeji led Executive.
Under his watch,Inducted the highest number of new members.On a particular day,32 members were inducted in a well attended ceremony which is the highest the club had witnessed in the past.There is no doubt that Nwokeji’s personality endears progressives to participate and associate with everything he is involved in.This is a testament of his strrong character,built on integrity and the burning desire to make impact.
He also brought his prudence nature to bear on the way and manner the Club’s Bar is run.Under his watch ,the Club Managed and stopped their Bar from incessant loss making.Today,the Club makes over #2.2 million profit, monthly.This has never happened before.
One is unequivocally certain that Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji, KSJI, has done remarkably well as the President of our dear Club: Owerri Sports Club. He deserves an applause and commendation.
Funny enough, the reward for a good job is more work. He should be encouraged to do more beautiful work for the Club. He is my candidate in the next Presidential Election.
Thank you. God bless you.
John C Okafor, KSM
