Tuesday June 24, 2025
Enugu Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, on Tuesday, June 24, hosted Super Eagles and Udinese FC goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, at the Government House in Enugu during a courtesy visit, The NATION reported.
Okoye, an indigene of Enugu State, expressed joy at returning to his roots and revealed plans to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy in the state.
According to him, the initiatives are aimed at giving back to society, mentoring young talents, and nurturing future football stars.
“I’m truly excited to be back home. Enugu is my origin, and I carry it with pride everywhere I go. I look forward to giving back by setting up a foundation for humanitarian causes and a football academy to mentor and train aspiring players,” Okoye said.
In response, Governor Mbah commended Okoye for being a source of pride to Enugu State both nationally and internationally.
He praised the goalkeeper’s dedication to youth development and announced that the state government would appoint him as an Ambassador of Enugu State.
Describing him as a role model for young people, particularly students in the state’s Smart Green Schools, Mbah said Okoye’s story would continue to inspire the next generation.
“Maduka Okoye represents the best of Enugu talent on the national and global stage,” Governor Mbah said. “As a state, we are proud of his achievements and inspired by his desire to give back. We are appointing him as an Ambassador of Enugu State, and we believe he will be a great source of motivation for the next generation of talents in our Smart Green Schools and communities”, he stated.
The governor further pledged to support Okoye’s football academy initiative, announcing that the state would provide land for the project. He also shared plans to revamp and upgrade the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to meet FIFA standards, and invited him to participate in the next edition of the Enugu International Marathon, which will attract elite runners from around the world.
Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting youth development, talent and creativity, stating that the government would continue to create opportunities for young people in Enugu State to thrive nationally and globally.
