The newly elected Executive Committee of Coal City Football Legends Association (CCFLA) headed by Ex-international, Emma Okocha, has inaugurated a Welfare Committee with the mandate to design a welfare programme, identify eligible members as well as raise funds to support such members.
According to the Publicity Secretary of the Coal City Football Legends Mr. Paul Nwachukwu, he said that the idea to set up the Welfare Committee was necessitated by the frequent stories of ex-footballers who are suffering due to financial challenges. He quoted Emma Okocha, who is the elder brother of Nigeria iconic midfielder, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, as noting that CCFL is very committed to the improvement of the lives of ex-footballers of Enugu background. Emma Okocha was quoted as saying that ‘we are here to support each other financially and generally’.
On the activities of the Welfare Committee so far, the Committee Chairman, Kenneth Udichi, noted that they have set out modalities to identify members that need financial and business assistance. He added that from their projections, some members will be qualified for business and capacity development loans while some will receive grants especially those with health issues.
According to Udichi, “The committee is looking at how to convert the Welfare Committee into a Foundation for the general wellbeing of Enugu born former players. This will mean that the welfare project will become self financing through business returns. Other members of the Welfare team include ex – international, Ikem ‘Potential’ Ude, ex-Enugu Rangers captain, Ike Oforje, Obiora Anichie, Paul Nwachukwu, Austin Mba, Okey Onwudiwe, CCFL founding President John ‘Rasta’ Ikemefuna, Vincent Okpalaka, Jude Ede and Olisemeka Obi, who acts as Committee Secretary.
Already, a member of the Association, Chief Emeka Ozoani (SAN), has donated the sum of N500,000 for the welfare project of CCFL and another N1m for other projects.