Former NFF President, Pinnick donates football pitch to community, Ode-Itsekiri

Posted : 24 October 2023

FIFA Council Member and immediate past President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has donated a FIFA-approved football pitch to his community and ancestral home, Ode-Itsekiri. This donation was made through his BrownHill Foundation.

The donation includes 100 event chairs, five event tents, and other facilities, all of which were handed over to Erejuwa Grammar School in Ode-Itsekiri as part of the school's Football Academy project. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Mayor of Entebbe Municipal, Uganda, Mr. Fabrice Rulinda, among others.

Pinnick emphasized that the donation would significantly contribute to the overall development and growth of the youth. He highlighted the positive impact the youth have had on his community, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole through their participation in various activities.

In 2020, Pinnick also donated a standard football pitch with seating capacity, a volleyball and handball pitch, and a new block of classrooms to Hussey College in Warri.

Through his foundation, the Brownhill Foundation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating opportunities for the youth in the Ode-Itsekiri community. He expressed his delight in the football pitch and the Erejuwa Grammar School Football Academy, which will encourage and nurture the growth of talented youth in the community interested in pursuing careers in football.

“The project started last year, and today, we are commissioning it," he said. "In Brownhill Foundation, we don't build for show; we build with a purpose. This project is part of the Foundation's commitment to create opportunities for the youth in the community and inspire them to achieve greatness in the future, while avoiding violence and other vices and focusing more on sports, especially football. The government can't shoulder the responsibility alone. One of the main reasons behind this project is to start the Erejuwa Grammar School Football Academy, where talents can be nurtured to greatness. This is undoubtedly the best football pitch in Delta State, and we are thrilled to have it in our ancestral home. We believe the youth can have a life playing football because football goes beyond what you see on the pitch. Off the pitch, football unites and brings glory," Pinnick concluded.

Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, praised Amaju Pinnick for his philanthropy and urged him not to relent in improving the lives of the Ode-Itsekiri youth.

“This is a powerful symbol of what is to come," he said. "The world will keep returning to Itsekiri. We can never underestimate the power of education and sports, especially when the two are combined. Soon, I will host my own celebrity games here because this is a great edifice. Facilities like this will take our youth off the streets and creeks. This is a crucial time in our history, and our youth are essential to our progress moving forward.”

Football stakeholders, including coaches and players present at the event, praised the former Delta State Sports Commission Boss for bringing the project to Ode-Itsekiri, which they believe will produce numerous football talents for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Mayor of Entebbe Municipal, Uganda, Mr. Fabrics Rulinda, described Mr. Pinnick as someone who is ready to invest in sports and education to enhance and improve the quality of life for the youth.

Pinnick expressed gratitude to the people of Ode-Itsekiri for their support and hospitality during the project's development. He also thanked the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, for their support and contribution to the project's success.

Former NFF President, Pinnick donates football pitch to community, Ode-Itsekiri

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