From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Imo State Football Association, FA is mourning the death of Mr. Christian Obi, the coach of Heartland football club, Owerri who died last Friday in a ghastly motor accident while on course of duty.
This is contained in a press statement endorsed by Mrs. Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, the chairman of the association’s Media Committee and made available to news men in Owerri on Sunday.
The Chairman of Imo State Football Association, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, informed that the fatal accident occurred in Umuna Okigwe, Imo State while the team was en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament, as their vehicle had a head on collision with a wrongly parked truck, in an attempt to evade another speedy upcoming vehicle.
Dike expressed regrets that Obi paid the ultimate price and prayed for the repose of his soul, and God to give his dear family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while also demanding for the wraths of the law on the erring driver and company that owns the parked vehicle.
He also called on highway users to always adopt safety measures for the protection of lives and properties and warned against indiscriminate parking of vehicles on the roads, in view of its hazards.
The football czar passionately appealed to security agencies and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC to ensure the safety of road users especially highways.
The FA boss further prayed God to grant the players currently hospitalised speedy and total recovery even as he reiterated his demand for improved funding of football and other sports and called on corporate organisations and wealthy individuals for their patriotic support.
“We appeal to corporate organisations and spirited individuals to partner and sponsor football clubs and make the round leather game much more lucrative as in other countries. No doubt, air travels will help reduce strain on officials and players which will contribute to their mental and physical alertness for matches”, Dike said
