Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the resilience associated with Arsenal Football Club can inspire Nigeria’s journey towards national renewal.
Abubakar, represented by Dino Melaye, made the remarks at the inauguration of Arsenal Fans Club Nigeria in Abuja.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said that the club’s fighting spirit could inspire Nigerians to overcome challenges and look forward to a brighter future. He likened the spirit to the biblical promise that weeping might endure for a night but joy would come in the morning.
“By the grace of God, very soon, Nigerians will leave the wilderness and enter the Promised Land,” he said, in a veiled reference to the 2027 election.
The former VP congratulated the club’s National President, Mr Charles Ojugbana, for the inauguration possible, describing it as a historic event and a first of its kind. He equally pledged his support for the club.
Earlier, Ojugbana said the club had developed a three-tier expansion plan aimed at increasing its membership and promoting Arsenal’s values across Nigeria.
He said the first phase focused on national expansion, with four state chapters in Gombe, Imo, Lagos and Akwa Ibom, which were inaugurated at the club’s annual general meeting. Ojugbana added that the club intends to establish chapters in all 36 states by the end of 2027, before expanding into tertiary institutions and cities.
“Every university in Nigeria will have an Arsenal Fans Club, and then we will move to the cities. In the next two years, we intend to have five million registered Nigerians in this club,” he said.
Ojugbana cited Arsenal players Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri as examples of players whose Nigerian connections could strengthen the club’s appeal locally. He described Arsenal supporters as committed and well-behaved, urging fans of rival clubs not to be jealous of their team.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Amb. Adamu Emozozo, who spoke virtually, urged members to remain united in purpose and build an organisation that future generations would be proud to inherit.
In the same vein, Dalhatu Musa, Accord Party senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said the club was established on the belief that football could unite people across racial and social divides.
Musa called on the government, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to invest more in football and other sports to develop young talents. He lamented the decline of grassroots sporting initiatives, including the Minister’s Cup in the FCT, which he said had previously provided opportunities for young talents.
"Government needs to invest heavily in sports and, after investing, sit back and reap the benefit of what it has sown,” he said.
The high point of the inauguration was the investiture and induction of patrons, including Atiku Abubakar, as Grand Patron. The patrons include Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Aliko Dangote, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
A former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, is also a patron and brand ambassador of the club.
Arsenal's resilient spirit can inspire Nigeria’s renewal - Atiku