The President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Dr Summers VC Nwokie "Ikukuoma Mbaise" has begun the construction of a standard Sports Complex in Okpuofe, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo state to ensure talented footballers have access to better facilities
Speaking to journalists at the site recently, the Director General of the foundation, Comrade Nnaji Julius Kelechi who represented his president said the decision to float the project is in line with the burning passion of the President to help youths become important citizens through sports in the society.
He said the edifice on completion will serve as home ground of Ikukuoma FC and it will have other modern day facilities including hostel accommodations, training pitches and a standard hotel that can be made use of by the visitors.
"As you already know, the passion to give youths the opportunity to express their talents and secure better future through football is the driving factor for this project," Comrade Nnaji told journalists.
"High Chief Dr Summers VC Nwokie is more than determined to build a world class sports complex in Mbaise where people can come together for a good football fiesta.
"The location is here in Okpuofe, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA and is easily accessible from Aboh Junction if you are coming from Owerri straight through Eke Ngwuru, it's easy to locate.
"Part of the plans is to also create access roads that would be tarred for easy accessibility.
"About 50 plots of land is already earmarked for the project and the construction firm has assured that the basic FIFA pro Astro turf pitch and other facilities would be ready in a short time, while other facilities can come from next year.
"The playing turf will be 50mm thick and some of the facilities that will come in immediately include the 3D Score Board as well as a good drainage system round the pitch, an 8 metre up/2 metre down perimeter fence round the pitch, the flood lights and two media stand for proper coverage of matches and events.
"It's important to note that our President is also thinking ahead hence he considered the extra land for construction of relaxation centres plus accommodation (hotel) for visiting teams and camping Programmes.
Meanwhile, former Dolphins FC (now Rivers United) and Heartland FC striker, Mr Echendu Osita Echendu, who is the representative of the Construction Firm in charge of the stadium, Diamond Orange Nigeria Limited reiterated that best equipment have been earmarked for the construction of the modern facilities.
He said the company is ready for the job and would deliver some of the required facilities within the best possible time.
"In one month time we intend to be ready with the stands, electronic scored board, the playing pitch (FIFA pro Astro turf) among other necessary facilities while work on other features of the stadium will commence from February next year", Osita said.
Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation is the overall umbrella from which High Chief Summers Nwokie is enriching and imparting life positively through his philanthropy.
A subsidiary of the Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, Ikukuoma FC got promoted to the Nigeria Nationwide League One just under four months of its formation and the team grabbed a bronze medal in their debut campaign in the Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation/ NLO Youth League which was recently concluded in Ihitte Uboma, Imo State.
The Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation/ NLO Youth League was bankrolled by High Chief Summers Nwokie and it attracted over 500 youths and officials to Imo State.
