The Senator Representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh,OFR, on Sunday, paid a Condolence Visit to the family of the demised Christian Chukwu in Enugu with a Call on eminent Igbo sons to always remember the Sacrifices made by Chukwu and former players of Rangers International Football Club in uniting Igbos especially after the civil war in the 70s.
The Senator, after signed the Condolence Register at Chukwu’s Trans-Ekulu Enugu Residence, went through memory lane to recount the Role of Chairman Chukwu in Rangers and in Nigeria’s National Team, stressed the need for Ndigbo to support the families of the deceased Rangers players and those who are still alive as a way of appreciating their contributions to the emancipation of the Igbo race.
He consoled the widow of Chairman Chukwu, Mrs Lilian Nkeiruka and her children as well as the members of the Ex-Rangers Football Club Players over the death of their former Captain and Coach, assuring that he would support the funeral of Chukwu slated for August 16this year.
He said: “I have come to pay a Condolence Visit to the family of Chairman Christian Chukwu who made Ndigbo proud with his Football Career. His role in Rangers International Football Club remains indelible in our hearts. Chairman Chukwu and his Team’s impressive performance made us to forget the sad memories of the Biafran War which made Rangers and its Players at the time to become idols, which we all adored.
“Rangers International Football Club played a significant Role in the Emancipation and Reintegration of the Igbos after the Nigerian Civil War in the 70s. The club served as a symbol of Igbo Identity, Resilience, and gave us a sense of pride in Nigeria especially when they defeated major Clubs in the National League and International Football Competitions.
“I can recall their notable Victories, including the defeat of IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan also known as the 3SC in the 1975 Challenge Cup final and beating them again in the semi-final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977 and the defeat of Alyufsalam Rocks of Ilorin in the 1976 Challenge Cup final, to mention but a few.
Rangers made us really proud.
“Through its successes and strong Igbo Identity, Rangers gave us, the Igbo people, a sense of belonging, purpose, and psychological healing at the time and during their matches we left everything to watch them Live.
Indeed , Rangers helped Ndigbo to foster a sense of collective Identity after the war and we shall ever remain grateful to them.
“We cannot forget that wonderful experience, which was a thing of pride for all of us.
Chairman Christian Chukwu and his men did their best and we shall continue to remember them both in death and those of them that are still alive. We shall also remember their families because their Legacy lives on in our hearts.”
Senator Umeh, who was accompanied on the visit by the first Secretary of Rangers International FC between 1974 and 1984 , Barr. Chief JoeMartin Uzodike, also paid a visit to the renowned Rangers and Green Eagles goalkeeper, Chief Emmanuel Okala at his Residence where he expressed deep Commiseration to him for the Loss of his beloved and longtime Team. He congratulated him for his numerous Awards and Medals displayed at his main lounge and prayed God to continue to strengthen and preserve him and his family.
The Chairman of Ex-Rangers International, Pastor Igweokolo Austin, who was among the former Rangers Players present during Senator Umeh’s Visit, thanked him for remembering Chairman Chukwu’s family at their moment of Grief and expressed gratitude for the Senator’s Financial Contribution towards the Funeral of the fallen Football Legend.
