CAA Asaba Athletics: 92-Year-Old Man Hails Opening Of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Irabor Joins Volunteer List

The high sense of fulfilment however came for Senior Citizen Oguefi Jiduche Onyia at 92years on Wednesday July 18, 2018 when he witnessed the official opening of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. Working for conglomerates like UAC, his friends’ and family’s contributions to his community and humanity gave Chief Onyia some

satisfaction but his happiness at being alive to watch the Africa Athletics tour, the test event at the Stephen Keshi Stadium was overwhelming for him.

“Today is a very special day for me, now I am fulfilled, I trekked from Okpanam to the Stadium,’’ said Chief Onyia who at 92 years of age walks around without a walking stick, very coherent, agile and articulate.

Chief Onyia expressed his gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Delta State Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for completing Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

“I am very pleased with Governor Okowa; he is the 16th Governor that has ruled Delta State. Asaba has been the capital city of Delta State for many years but it is only Okowa that deemed it fit to complete this stadium, God will bless him.”

Chief Onyia who retired from UAC April 1, 1983, is today the oldest person in Idumojei Quarters and the acting Oki-Egbo of Idumoje, he played football as a young man and still follows the game. A supporter of Arsenal and Chelsea, Chief Onyia’s day is not complete without reading every single word in daily newspaper Sporting Life.

“Before now, not having a stadium in Asaba was a blemish on the city. We love sports, especially football but we don’t have a decent place to play.

“But today, God has used Okowa to take our blemish away. Today is a glorious day, every Asaba man is very happy , sports with all it socio-economic benefits will now come to Asaba.”

Chief Onyia welcomes delegates from different part of the world, especially the countries whose athletes will compete for medals at the CAA Asaba 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships.

“I welcome all of them to Asaba and I wish them a happy stay in our city’’.

Meanwhile, more and more respected Nigerians are signing on to work as volunteers at the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships to be staged in Asaba, Delta State from August 1-5.

According to a statement from Olukayode Thomas, Head of Media and Publicity for CAA Asaba 2018, the latest on the line is Nduka Irabor, Editor Emeritus and former Chairman of the League Management Company, LMC.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for African Championship, Solomon Ogba commended Irabor for taking the bold step while he also encouraged other Nigerians; particularly those in the entertainment industry, musicians, actors, comedians and the likes to also join the train as Asaba is set to make history for Nigeria and Africa.

“I must commend Mr. Irabor for showing yet another of his exemplary attitudes, I will like to see more eminent Nigerians come on board; the musicians, actors, and comedians are all welcomed as things like this help

improve our ratings out there” Ogba stated.

The CAA Asaba 2018 LOC boss further noted that with Nigeria bidding to host the 2022 Youth Olympics, activities like this will help Nigeria when the concerned international bodies are making up their minds in giving

hosting rights to a country.

Over the weekend the duo of Amos Adamu and Mike Itemagbour blazed the trail as they both confirmed that they will work as volunteers during CAA Asaba 2018.

More Permanent Secretaries, Commissioners, captains of industries in Delta State and beyond are all expected to join the train of volunteers for the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships that would take place inside the newly-completed Stephen Keshi Stadium.