Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the resilience and fighting spirit associated with English Premier League club Arsenal as the country seeks national renewal and a brighter future.
Atiku, who was represented by former Senator Dino Melaye, made the remarks during the inauguration of Arsenal Fans Club Nigeria in Abuja, where he encouraged members to embrace the values of perseverance and determination in confronting Nigeria’s challenges.
He expressed optimism that the country would overcome its difficulties, drawing a comparison with the biblical promise that sorrow does not last forever.
“By the grace of God, very soon, Nigerians will leave the wilderness and enter the Promised Land,” he said.
Atiku congratulated the club’s National President, Charles Ojugbana, and other organisers, describing the inauguration as a significant milestone. He also pledged his support for the organisation, expressing hope that Arsenal’s resilience would inspire Nigerians and contribute to restoring the country’s fortunes.
Speaking at the event, Ojugbana unveiled a three-stage expansion plan aimed at increasing membership and extending the club’s presence across Nigeria.
He explained that the first phase would focus on establishing state chapters nationwide, noting that chapters had already been inaugurated in Gombe, Imo, Lagos and Akwa Ibom following the club’s annual general meeting.
According to him, the organisation plans to establish chapters in all 36 states by the end of 2027 before expanding into tertiary institutions and major 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,” Ojugbana said.
He added that the club would promote excellence, discipline and Arsenal’s football culture while creating opportunities to support players of Nigerian descent who are making progress in international football.
Among the players he referenced were Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, whose Nigerian connections, he said, could strengthen the club’s appeal among football enthusiasts in the country.
Ojugbana also urged supporters of rival clubs to embrace friendly competition and sportsmanship.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ambassador Adamu Emozozo, who addressed the gathering virtually, called on members to remain united and committed to building an organisation that future generations would value.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion described the inauguration as a celebration of the values associated with football, including perseverance, hope, courage and determination.
Dalhatu Musa, the Accord Party’s senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, said the club was founded on the belief that football could bring people together across racial and social differences.
He noted that Arsenal supporters continued to stand by their team regardless of its performance, adding that such loyalty and resilience could be applied to other areas of life.
Musa encouraged members to uphold sportsmanship and recognise that victories and defeats were part of football.
He also called on the government, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to increase investment in sports development, particularly at the grassroots level.
He expressed concern over the decline of grassroots sporting initiatives, citing the Minister’s Cup in the FCT as an example of a competition that had previously provided opportunities for emerging talents.
Musa urged authorities to revive such competitions and create an environment that would attract greater private-sector participation in sports.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of patrons, with Atiku named Grand Patron of Arsenal Fans Club Nigeria.
Other individuals named as patrons included the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; business mogul Aliko Dangote; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Dino Melaye; and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu was also named a patron and brand ambassador of the organisation.
