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As part of its commitment towards sports and youth development in Nigeria, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc has donated the sum of N10million to Delta State Football Association in its mission to construct a befitting secretariat in Warri. The Football House is to be named after Mr. Patrick Okpomo, a high profile Sports Administrator from the state who died in 2004. Presenting the cheque in Warri on Wednesday, March 27, FCMB’s Zonal Head (Edo/Delta), Mrs. Amaka Morakinyo, said the bank was proud to identify with the Delta State Football Association in its mission to construct the befitting landmark, Patrick Okpomo Football House. Morankiyo said “FCMB is making this N10million donation to reaffirm its commitment to the development of sports in the country, considering the huge opportunities it offers, not just to the people, but for national unity and well-being of Nigerians. The victory of the Nigerian Super Eagles at this year’s African Cup of Nations, the bond as well as the excitement the feat generated is a testimony to this. We will continue to do so in a way that is consistent with our value propositions which are simple, reliable and supportive”, she pledged. Receiving the cheque, the Chairman, Delta State Football Association, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick commended FCMB for the gesture. He noted the bank’s interest in sports and youth development, citing COPA Beach Soccer Tournament and the support given to Lagos State government in various sporting activities as very commendable, worthy of emulation by other corporate bodies in Nigeria. “It is no show-off that we in Delta State chose to run sports professionally. We decided not to pay undue attention to government sponsorship. We have created the platform that enables corporate organisations to join us in partnership towards sports development. We are using this opportunity to call on other corporate organisations in Nigeria to lend their strength in sports development and administration the way FCMB is doing among a few other banks,” Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick stated. Amaju Melvin Pinnick went further to say, “Sports is an area that can be used to keep young people off the streets. And when you do this, they will not stop you on the road to rob you. The construction of Patrick Okpomo Football House, an edifice of world class standard which is being handled by one of the best known construction companies, is one hundred percent private sector driven. By the grace of God, the infrastructure would be dedicated in August. This project is of interest to many including the President of FIFA, Mr. Sepp Blater”. The ceremony took place at the Delta States Sports Commission and was attended by top dignitaries from Delta Football Association, Delta State Sports Commission, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, FCMB and the Media among who were Mr.Amaju Melvin Pinnick, Chairman, Delta State Football Association, Solomon Ogba, President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria(AFN), Mr. Friday Onothoja, Secretary General, Delta State Football Association, Mr. Chris Anazie, Director of Sports Development, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Timi Ebikagboro, member of DFA Board and Vice Chairman, Warri Wolves Football Club.
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