By Benjamin Njoku

Barely three months after he was conferred with a Chieftaincy title of ‘Ichie Ihemba'(Light of the community) by the traditional ruler of Imerienwe, Eze Augustine Uwadiegwu Ekechi, popular filmmaker and founder of The African Film Festival, TAFF, Dallas, Texas, Engr. Kelechi Eke has added two more feathers to his cap.

This time, he has been appointed by the Imo State government as the board chairman of the state’s para-soccer as well as selected for honour by a body known as Imo State Ambassadors International’s (ISWAI).

According to a statement issued by the Imo State Director of Sports, Ferdinand Emeanaa, on Tuesday, February 20, the appointment which is with immediate effect is in recognition of Eke’s immense contribution and the passion he has for the development of sports in the state. “It’s hoped that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear in the promotion and development of para soccer in the state,”reads the letter.

The appointment is coming on the heels of Imo State Ambassadors International’s (ISWAI) resolution to also confer on the filmmaker with the award of Honour.

Eke was selected for the award after deliberation and careful consultation in respect of individuals who have supported women and girl-child growth as well as empowerment of the youth in the state.

ISWAI is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in London, the United Kingdom, whose cardinal focus is on building society with the full potential to help in driving the socio-economic and political well being of Imo. The award was  presented to Eke amid celebration days back as over five hundred Imo women gather at Rento Hotel, Owerri for the epoch-making event.

Meanwhile, reacting to his new appointment, Eke said it conforms with his humanitarian efforts. “I was simply honoured to have been considered for the position. It conforms with my humanitarian efforts and I am already serving as their grand patron,” Eke said.

Based in America, the filmmaker said that he intends to work with the board as well as the state’s sports commission to align para soccer with that of the para soccer Federation of Nigeria. “I would like to see our athletes compete at the national level to gain more exposure and support. I have already set up a yearly tournament for them called IHEMBA CUP. The first edition was played on January 1, this year and I plan to continue encouraging the sports with future editions. Finally, I will explore how to expose Imo Para Soccer internationally,” Eke said in a chat with Nollynow