Enogie of Obazuwa community in Edo State, His Royal Highness Prince Edun Akenzua has explained the reasons for donating 1,000ft by 1,000ft parcel of land for the late Stephen Keshi football and vocational training centre in his community.
Keshi, a former Nigeria captain and coach died in Benin in June this year at 54.
The foundation laying ceremony of the vocational centre which was held on Friday was performed by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick, represented by Dr Moses Aghedo, acting vice chairman of Edo State FA.
Prince Akenzua, who was represented by Prince Enweansefe Iyi-Eweka, the Enogie of Ighada community, in his remarks stated that he granted the request of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) for four reasons.
“When NANPF approached me with a request to give them a parcel of land to establish a football and vocational training centre, four considerations ran through my mind. First, the request gave me an opportunity to do something good for our generation and the generation yet unborn. Secondly, I was happy to hear that the centre will be named after our illustrious son, Stephen Keshi, who died early this year at the age of 54 years.
“Thirdly, it gladdens my mind that I was a goalkeeper during my elementary school in Benin City in 1947 and later Ibadan Grammar School in 1952. The fourth reason is because by establishing the centre in this community, it would one day transform Obazuwa into a Mecca of sorts for both local and international footballers.
“For these reasons, I and my people were delighted to donate the parcel of land measuring 1,000ft by 1,000ft, but except that we have to compensate owners of any cash crops that may be planted on the land,” Prince Akenzua said.
The event was witnessed by the president of NANPF, ex-international Dahiru Sadi and the secretary general of the body, Comrade Austin Popo, among others.
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