By Amaechi Agbo
One year after the passing of Honourable Ekene Adams, former Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, the President of Water FC, Makanjuola Nureni, has paid a heart-felt tribute to the late lawmaker, describing him as “a symbol of resilience, integrity, and service.”
Hon. Ekene Adams, who passed away on July 16, 2024, was not only a respected legis-lator and sports administrator but also a former player of Water FC—one of the grass-roots clubs that helped shape his early journey.
In a statement marking the first anniversary of Adams’ death, Nureni recalled the late politician’s roots in the club and his rise to national prominence, stating that his transi-tion from the pitch to Parliament remains “a story of vision and purpose.”
“Ekene was not just a distinguished lawmaker and sports administrator—he was one of our own,” Nureni said. “Before he became a public servant and a prominent figure in the National Assembly under the Labour Party, he played football with passion and pride for Water FC. That experience shaped the values he upheld throughout his life.”
As Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Adams was instrumental in advocating for reforms across Nigeria’s sports sector, with a focus on athlete welfare and grassroots development. According to Nureni, Adams remained deeply connected to his sporting roots and frequently acknowledged the discipline and teamwork he learned during his time at the club.
“Ekene showed that sports can do more than create champions on the field—it can also produce leaders in society. His unwavering commitment to youth development through sports remains one of his most enduring legacies,” the Water FC president noted.
Nureni added that while the pain of Ekene’s loss still lingers, the club and its extended community continue to draw strength from the values he championed—integrity, ser-vice, and a passion for the game.
“As we mark one year since his passing, we do not only mourn, we honour. We cele-brate the extraordinary life of a man who never forgot where he came from and used every platform to uplift others.”
Born on April 16, 1985, Hon. Ekene Adams served as a member of the Labour Party and left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and sports landscape.
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