A clarion call has gone out to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to take up the task of putting Samuel Okwaraji Stadium, Orlu back into proper shape, Sports247 reports.
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The call was given by a football promoter and clergyman, Pastor Victor Ukozor Macdonald, who hails from Amaifeke area of Orlu, where the abandoned stadium stands with overgrown weeds all around it.
Pastor Victor, who is the head of God’s Glory Ministries (GGM) in Eswatini, told Sports247 he was sad seeing what the symbolic stadium in his ancestral home has been reduced to.
However, due to his love for football, Pastor Victor, who brokered breakthrough deals for Mobi Oparaku, Paul Obiefule, and Perpetua Nkwocha, promised to bring the derelict stadium to the governor’s attention.
Victor Macdonald added, “This arena used to be known as Orlu Township Stadium until one of our earlier governors, Achike Udenwa, who hails from Amaifeke, renamed it in honour of Sam Okwaraji.
“They reconstructed it, and everyone was happy when it was reopened. Sadly, during the tenure of Rochas Okorocha, who is also an indigene of Orlu, there were promises of upgrading the stadium.
“Rochas said he would destroy the stadium and make it Olympic-size. All the seats were removed, and some work started, but there were many promises that were not kept.”
The highly respected former players’ agent then pledged to take up the task of reviving the legacy of Okwaraji in a better way through proper utilisation of the stadium named after him.
“The headquarters of Orlu Local Government Area is the building right next to the stadium. The chairman is even an indigene of Amaifeke, but this stadium is under the state government’s capacity.
“That’s why we have to call on Governor Hope Uzodinma to please wade into the matter. I was happy when I returned home from Eswatini for my annual holiday here, and I saw many areas of development that Governor Uzodinma has done.
“That’s why I believe he will do something about reviving Samuel Okwaraji Stadium. I don’t think they have brought it to his notice.
“I believe if they take it to his table, he will do something about it. I will also do something about it, if I wait for three months and nothing is done about this rot,” Macdonald assured.
