…Maduka Okoye is a symbol of the talent Enugu offers to the world — says Mbah.
The iNews Times reports that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has officially appointed Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye as Enugu State Ambassador.
The governor made the appointment on Tuesday during Okoye’s courtesy visit to the Government House in Enugu.
Okoye who hails from Enugu, expressed excitement about reconnecting with his roots. He also disclosed his plans to launch a charitable foundation and football academy aimed at nurturing young talents and fostering community growth.
“It’s a great feeling to be back home. Enugu is where I come from, and I wear that identity with pride wherever I go,” Okoye said. “I’m committed to giving back through humanitarian work and mentoring young footballers.”
Governor Mbah commended Okoye for being a shining example of Enugu excellence on both the local and international scenes. He highlighted the goalkeeper’s passion for youth development and reaffirmed the state government’s full support for projects that uplift young people.
“Maduka Okoye is a symbol of the talent Enugu offers to the world,” the governor stated. “His story is an inspiration, and appointing him as an official Ambassador of Enugu State reflects our belief in empowering role models to help shape the future of our youth, especially in our Smart Green Schools and local communities.”
To support Okoye’s football academy project, Governor Mbah announced that the state would allocate land for its development. He also extended an invitation to Okoye to participate in the upcoming Enugu International Marathon, an event aimed at attracting elite athletes and tourists globally.
In line with his broader vision for sports and youth advancement, Governor Mbah revealed plans to modernize the historic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to meet FIFA standards, positioning Enugu as a future hub for sports, innovation, and youth excellence.
He emphasized that sports would play a key role in the state’s development strategy, promoting healthy living, community engagement, and socio-economic transformation.
“Enugu is a land of abundant talent,” Mbah added. “We are committed to building platforms and forging partnerships that will help our youth thrive on national and global stages.”
The appointment of Maduka Okoye as Enugu State Ambassador marks a landmark collaboration between the state government and the sporting world, reflecting Governor Mbah’s administration’s strategic focus on youth empowerment and talent development.