Governor Mbah Condoles Chukwu’s Family, Vows to Immortalize Him

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has paid a condolence visit to the family of Christian Chukwu, Nigeria’s legendary footballer and coach, on his death this week.

During a mournful visit to the family home in Enugu on Wednesday evening, Governor Mbah comforted the grieving family that the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole sympathize with them and will ensure that the memory of Chukwu endures for generations to come. Christian Chukwu, better addressed as “Chairman,” was a retired captain of the Green Eagles (now known as Super Eagles), the Nigerian national team, and a coach who led the team to several milestone achievements.

His impact on Nigerian football transcended decades, and he received national and global acclaim.

Chukwu passed away while Governor Mbah was on a visit to the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London.

Upon his return, the governor did not waste time paying the family a personal visit to console them.

In an interview after signing the condolence book, Governor Mbah addressed the press and called the death of Chukwu a great loss, not just to his direct family, but to the entire country.

“His death is not just a loss to the family, but a loss to all of us, particularly the Enugu State government and people,” the governor stated. “Chairman Christian Chukwu is a name that was found in every home and motivated many youths. He is an embodiment of a lot of values in sport all over the world and not just in Nigeria.”

Governor Mbah noted that Chukwu was a symbol of excellence, discipline, and patriotism, adding that the late footballer put Enugu and Nigeria on the global sporting map.

During the visit, Governor Mbah promised that his administration would make deliberate efforts to immortalize the memory of Chukwu. While details were not immediately made public, he promised the family and the public that steps were already being taken to immortalize the football legend.

We are going to stand by them during this period of mourning,” Mbah said. “And we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalized. His contribution to Nigeria cannot be erased.”.

The governor was joined during the visit by the state’s top officials, including Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu. The visit was a sign of the gravity of the loss and the commitment of the government to pay tribute to Chukwu’s memory.

Since the news of Chukwu’s death broke, tributes continued pouring in from across Nigeria and globally. Football governing bodies, past colleagues, sporting organizations, and fans, among others, have all lamented the passing away of one of the best football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Christian Chukwu took the Nigerian national team to its first-ever African Cup of Nations championship in 1980 and went on to coach the team as head coach afterwards. His efforts both on and off the pitch received universal acclaim and the enduring respect of millions.

As Enugu and the wider football community mourn, plans for a fitting memorial are to be made in the coming days, with Enugu State government to take responsibility for planning tributes befitting the “Chairman” Christian Chukwu heritage.