Newstap/ SWAN Five Star Award will propel me to do more for grassroots sports development – Chief Onyeani

Grassroots Football Promoter/ Philanthropist, Dr. Chief Robert Daniel Onyeani said that the Newstap/SWAN Five Star Award bestowed on him will propel him to do more for the development of grassroots football in the country.

He stated this shortly after he was presented with his award last Friday at the Blessing Hall of the prestigious Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.

An elated Chief Onyeani popularly known as ‘ROCO’ declared that the award was a testament that people recognizes what he’s doing with his club sides based in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State; saying that his plan is to make both his male and female teams dominate not only the country’s football space but be forces to be reckoned with in the continent.

“It’s a thing of joy that I was counted worthy as one of the eminent Nigerians to be bestowed with this award by the management of Newstap Communication and the entire Nigerian sports writers.

“What it means, is that people are watching my contributions to grassroots sports development in this country even without my knowledge and I will put in more efforts to see that I surpass even what I have already achieved in the area of helping the youths develop their talents.

On his plans for his two teams, he explained that he has already taken some vital steps to ensure the teams come back to winning ways just as he expressed optimism that the result will start coming in soon.

” It’s true that my teams are not doing too well in the league but one thing I can assure you is that I have taken some bold steps to reposition the teams.

” You’re quite aware that we defeated two time CAF champions, Enyimba FC of Aba last year during the Abia State FA Cup and we’ll keep on improving until the desired results start coming in because my plan is not only to rule Nigerian football but that of the continent”, he sounded confidently.

The Newstap/ Five Star Award was instituted to recognize and honour individuals and organisations who have dedicated their time and resources in moving the country’s sports forward.

Those who received the award alongside Chief Onyeani are the Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri, Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, DG/ CEO of National Institute For Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu and Proprietor of Yacateco Boxing Promotions who also doubles as Vice President of Nigeria Boxing Federation, Hon. Omolei Yakubu Imadu while the President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo received a special recognition award.