Okwor Vows to Make Enugu Chess Conclave Best, Win National Medals

The newly inaugurated Leader and Captain of the Chess Conclave, Enugu Sports Club, Chief Clement Okwor, has pledged to transform the section into the best in the Club and reposition chess as a major sport capable of winning medals for Enugu State at national championships.

Okwor, who spoke during his inauguration as Leader/Captain of the Conclave, said his administration would focus on raising the standard of the section, improving its facilities and promoting chess as a household sport across the state.

He expressed delight at the massive turnout for the event and thanked the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Council, Hon. Beloved-Dan Anike; and other guests for honouring the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Onyia described Okwor as a humble and unpretentious friend and senior brother whose public service record was worthy of emulation.

He recalled Okwor’s service as Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, and Commissioner for Special Duties, urging the younger generation to learn from his legacy.

The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Council, Hon. Beloved-Dan Anike, described Okwor as one of the finest sons of Nike who distinguished himself in public service.

“We are happy we are bringing our best. We are here to celebrate him,” Anike said, while announcing a ₦2 million donation to support the Chess Conclave.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Enugu Sports Club, Barr. Ifeanyi Nweke, described the inauguration as a call to service, stressing the need for discipline and adherence to the Club’s established standards.

Nweke congratulated Okwor and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Conclave while upholding the ethical values of the Club.

Presenting Okwor for inauguration, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Public Relations Officer of the Chess Conclave, Rt. Hon. Chidozie Alex Ogbonnia, described him as an accomplished administrator and technocrat from Akpugo Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area.

Ogbonnia highlighted Okwor’s progression through various public offices, from Permanent Secretary to Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Special Duties, Head of Service and eventually Secretary to the State Government.

He also described Okwor as a devout Catholic, member of the Knights of St. John and a recipient of a special honour from the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese.

“He is widely described as a technocrat of high repute, respected elder statesman, community leader and mentor,” Ogbonnia said.

The Welfare Officer 2 of the Conclave, Arc. Chubba Nwadinogbu, said members were confident that Okwor would provide effective leadership.

“We have a good leader. You can see the turnout in solidarity with him. We believe he will lead us well,” Nwadinogbu said, adding that Okwor had already begun transforming and beautifying the Conclave arena since assuming office.

The event featured the formal inauguration of Okwor as Leader/Captain and the swearing-in of members of his executive.

They include Deputy Leader, Sir Joe Okorafor-Nwosu; HRH Igwe Dr. Sam Aneke; Secretary, Prince Arc. Kingsley Agu; Leader Emeritus (Ex-Officio), Dr. John Onwumere; Leader Emeritus (Ex-Officio), Prince Chukwunwike Onyeso; and Engr. Martin Onyeka Okwor.

Others are Engr. Chief Chitor Arinze, Welfare Officer 1; Arc. Chubba Nwadinogbu, Welfare Officer 2; Edna Erinne, Treasurer; Rt. Hon. Alex Ogbonnia, PRO; Sir Charles Ozoekwe, Sports Secretary; Prof. Mich Nwafor, Membership Secretary; Dr. Eze Anoke Eze; and Chief George Godwin Akwada, Resources Consultant.

New inductees into the Conclave are Amb. Dr. Kingsley Ebenyi, Chief Onyeka Onwe, Dr. Ohionu McChuks, Sir Nnamdi Opara and Mrs. Trish Uchenna Eze.