Chief Patrick Ekeji, a former Nigeria international and onetime interim Green Eagles coach, has earned praises from professional sport body, National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance, (NAPHER-SD) following his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Completesports.com reports.
Ekeji, a retired Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC) will work with substantive Chief of Staff, Barrister Chinedu Agbo, who is in charge of of Operations.
Ekeji’s latest appointment comes on the heels of his committee’s successful review of the laws establishing the Imo Sports Commission, a task he was saddled with by Governor Uzodinma soon after his February 14 Supreme Court victory as Governor of the Heartland State.
This marks Ekeji’s significant step into politics and administration after an illustrious football and sports management career.
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After a playing career that spanned through P&T Vasco Dagama of Enugu (1973-1977), Rangers (1977-1978) through to Nigeria national team – Green Eagles, (19775-1980), Ekeji soon took temporary coaching charge of the Eagles in 1986.
He later became Director of Sports, Imo State, (1993) after which he was engaged by the National Sports Commission (1994) as National Director of Sports.
Completesports.com reports that in 2009, Ekeji was elevated to the position of Director General of NSC, a position he held until his retirement in 2013.
Following his appointment recently, NAPHER-SD, an association Ekeji is a Trustee, promply commends him on the remarkable engagement.
“We felicitate with you on your appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff by His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State,” starts the commendation letter signed by NAPHER-SD Secretary, Dr Franz Atare, which Completesports.com is in possession of.
“This appointment is in recognition of your accumulated track records both in and out of the Sports industry towards the development of Nigeria as a nation and Humanity in general.
“The timing of this appointment is of great benefit to us as an association as we need committed professionals like your very good self in the corridors of power to champion our course and provide solid backing for our activities and programmes.
“We pray that God grants you, our respected trustee, strength, wisdom and the required skills to carry out the assignment with ease.
“By God’s grace, your tenure shall be impactful on the State to your satisfaction. Please accept our hearty congratulations,” NAPHER-SD concludes.
