Edith CHUKU
The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, has celebrated the legacy of sports, education and Niger Delta development of the late pioneer Chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission OMPADEC, Chief Albert Horsfall.
The Commission honoured the late OMPADEC chairman with a friendly football match in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region and his passion for sports.
NDDC All-Stars team played the match at Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, bringing together members of the late Horsfall’s family and friends to celebrate his life, legacy, and love for football.
The late Horsfall’s daughter, Soibi Godwin-Clark, and the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs Department, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, took the kick-off to signal the beginning of the match.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the son of late Chief Horsfall, Mr Sekuropribo Horsfall, described the football match as a fitting tribute to his father, who had a deep passion for sports, particularly football.
His words: “It is really an honour to have this friendly match in honour of my late father.
“He loved sports, especially football. If he were alive, he would have really loved the idea of this football game.”
Horsfall expressed the family’s gratitude to the NDDC for its support during their period of grief, noting that the gesture demonstrated the Commission’s appreciation of his father’s contributions as the pioneer chairman of OMPADEC, the precursor to the NDDC.
Also speaking, Soibi, daughter of the deceased, recalled her father’s enduring passion for football, noting that he continued to play the game with his grandchildren even at the age of 70.
She said she was happy the match was organised in his honour, especially as his grandsons played in the friendly game.
“I thank the NDDC. They have been very gracious in putting together this team,” she said.
Godwin-Clark noted that her father’s legacy extended beyond sports to his commitment to developing the Niger Delta.
She recalled that he commissioned more than 170 projects during his tenure at OMPADEC and helped many sons and daughters of the region secure important positions.
She further disclosed that, through the Horsfall Foundation, about 60 persons received educational sponsorship up to master’s degree level. She added that her father also supported widows and orphans.
In his remarks, Godwin Clark Obaro, grandson of the late Horsfall, expressed delight at participating in the match organised in honour of his grandfather.
