Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, at the weekend, unveiled a basketball academy built by a real estate mogul and sports enthusiast, Dr Darlington Ugota.
The Academy was built inside Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Prescott campus.
Commending the business mogul for his immense contribution to the development of the state, Nwifuru said Ugota have given more hope to those that don’t have direction.
Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, urged the students to make use of the academy to develop their talents and excel in sports.
“You have really contributed to the development of our dear state, you are an icon of our state. What you have built here, you have given more life to people, you have given more hope to those that don’t have direction and it shall be well with you.
“I am assuring you that by the time we get to abroad, we must have raised the hidden talents that we have in this university. Not only in this university, but every Ebonyi person is going to get something here. And remember, anything we do, we remain the best.
“For the students, this is your project, it will help you to develop that skill in you, don’t take it for granted,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Michael Awoke, also lauded Ugota for the basketball academy in the institutio,n describing it asthe first of its kind in the university.
“This is the first in history and today marks one of my happiest days and it is just the beginning,” he said.
In his speech, Ugot,a who is the Managing Director of Esithngton group, described the basketball academy as a symbol of vision, hope and empowerment of the youths.
“For me, I believe from experience and conviction that sports is not just a game, it is a platform for unity, for discipline, for leadership and of course for transportation.
“We also understand that sports connect bridges to destinies and we believe that through this platform here, we will be able to raise a lot of superstars.
“I want to also say that this court here is not just worthy of seeing and all that, it represents the vision to empower and invest in the hidden talents of our young people.
“This is a platform we believe, by the special grace of God, it will help to register Ebonyi State even in the global map. Ebonyi State University has produced great minds across all disciplines and we know that by adding this sports facility in this academic environment, it will help to open a new chapter in this school environment where our academic excellence will meet sports excellence,” he said.
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