By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
A touch of class and excellence best described the multi- million Naira brand new Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu Lawn Tennis Court at the strategically located United Isu Progressives Union’s Country- Club, Nwangele LGA, Imo State; a landmark project single- handedly built and donated by Rt. Hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, in fond memory and celebration of his late father, Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu, who played a prominent leadership and pathfinder role towards the socio-cultural and economic development of Isu clan in particular, and the UIPU in general, as an elitist social club.
The solemn but colorful event which kick-started with a visit to the tomb of the late sage, bridge builder, respected community leader, communications emperor, and philantropist, Chief Sir Chyna Ignatius wuanyanwu, had his son, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, accompanied to the graveside by High Chief Johnbosco Chukwuma Ozigbu, Ph.D (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga), Chief Engr. Celestine Opurum, Chief Paul Duru, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, Hon. Amb. Prince Charles Mbachu, Ichie Nkpadobi; while the UIPU governor, Chief Celestine Opurum performed the laying of wreath ceremony on the grave side after a few moments of prayers and sober reflection as Nwangele leaders paid their renewed homeage and respect.
At the venue of the watershed event, avalanche of the leadership of United Isu Progressives Union under His Excellency, Chief Engr. Celestine Opurum converged to officially unveil the multi – million Naira lawn tennis court project built and donated by the member representing Nwangele State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Ksc, as a legacy project to honour and immortalize his late father who served as the biggest inspiration in his journey through life and political trajectory.
Speaking during the official unveling of the Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu Lawn Tennis Court; Chairman of the occasion and national patron of UIPU, Chief Michael Onuoha (Eririego of Igboland, Ide Nwangele, Lord Earl), commended Rt. Hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu for building such a befitting landmark project in memory of his late father, Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu, who was a respected leader in Nwangele LGA and across Imo State, describing the State lawmaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, as “ A chip off the old block“ for his robust and effective representation to Nwangele people at the State House of Assembly.
The Grand Khadi and Fellow of United Isu Progressives Union , High Chief Johnbosco Ozigbu, Ph.D (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga, Nwangele Lord Mayor), in retrospect, highlighted a number of the sterling leadership qualities that stood late Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu out as an icon leader whose leadership footprints stand the test of times despite his demise , while commending his son, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, for proudly flying the flag of his late father by maintaining his leadership legacy through participatory politics.
In his own brief remark, Rt. Hon. Amara Chnya Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chairman, Board of Trustees of United Isu Progressives Union, who donated the Chief Sir Chyna Iwuanyanwu Lawn Tennis Court, stated that, the UIPU is the only social club his late father recommended and approved that he joins wether alive or dead since it’s more like family bonding among the sons of Isu clan.
He however, saluted the visionary leadership of the founding members and present leadership of the socio-cultural group in mobilizing men and resources towards achieving the greater goal of the Union which is the development of Isu clan and as a force to reckon with in the political decision process and stakeholdership of Nwangele leadership.
In a note of appreciation, the Deputy Speaker, Iwuanyanwu, thanked the leadership of United Isu Progressives Union for being instrumental to his political journey and success, maintaining that his gratitude remains eternal . He also assured the Union that the Lawn Tennis Project would be the least among other projects he would execute.
The high point of the event was a novelty match between Team Chyna Iwuanyanwu led by the duo of High Chief Johnbosco Ozigbu and Chief Engr. Celestine Opurum; while Chief Michael Onuoha led Team UIPU All Stars in an atmosphere of social convivality as Nwangele finest wealthy men displayed their skills on the lawn tennis court to the chagrin of their numerous spectators.
Meanwhile, as part of the earlier activities making the inaugural annual sports festival of the United Isu Progressives Union wherein a cup and cash prize are mapped out for the annual sports competition in the various categories of the game ranging from; snooker, table tennis, chess, lawn tennis, etc., both Chief Michael Onuoha and High Chief Johnbosco Ozigbu, Ph.D (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga, Alaomajijii of Imo State) made huge donations to support the sports festival.
Among the personalities present at the event included but not limited to;
A former Sole Administrator of Nwangele LGA, Hon.Prince Charles Mbachu, Chief Melford Akano, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, Prince Ferdinard Akano, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, SA Special Duties to Sen. Hope Uzodimma, Chief Paul Duru, Chief Obinna Duruaku, Prince Uduji Chinedum Uduji (Aristotle), Dr. Smith, Mrs. Maureen Chimara, Ichie Nkpadobi, Chief Lawrence Dike, and a host of others.