BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
The Governor of Imo State, Hope aUzodimma, has recognized the role of sports in the unity of a Nation and the employment of youths.
He submitted that all over the world nothing can unite a nation faster and better than sports and submitted that the upcoming NDDC Sports Festival will permanently unite all the States that make up the Commission.
The Governor spoke at the Government House Owerri when he received the Torch of Unity of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital from April 1- 9, 2025.
Addressing the Sports men and women and Imo citizens who had gathered to witness the ceremony, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, thanked the leadership of NDDC for instituting the Sports Festival, maintaining that “the program will help engage the youths into sustainable and gainful employment.”
He expressed delight in receiving the Torch of Unity, welcomed all sportsmen and women present at the occasion to Imo State Government House, and promised to give all necessary support for the Festival to succeed and for the participants to come back with many Gold medals.
Ekomaru disclosed that Uzodimma, as a youth-friendly Governor, had done a lot in the Ministry of Youths and Sports, emphasizing that he has invested a lot in the development of youths in Imo State.
She said the Governor created the Ministry of Youths Development and Talent Hunt in a bid to ensure that the youths are gainfully and sustainably engaged.
She, therefore, reminded the contingents, on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, that their Grand Ambassador, Emmanuel Amuneke, is an Olympic Gold Medalist and enjoined them to follow in his footsteps.
“Go there, get all the laurels, don’t be shy, distinguish yourself, control yourself, fair play is the name of the game,” she said that henceforth “the team is to be known as the ‘dream team’ from Imo.”
Ekomaru informed that, during the time of Amuneke, they won many gold medals for the state and that in the same manner, they are expected to repeat the same feat and even do more.
She wished them the best of luck on behalf of Governor Uzodimma and the people of Imo State.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Obinna Onyeocha, said that the festival is the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, which signifies peace and progress.
He maintained that it is very important to the state and the youths of Imo State, noting that it will stand as an empowerment.
The Torch which was brought to Government House by Sports Grand Ambassadors, Representatives of Consultants to the Festival, Secretary of Imo State Liaison Committee of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Hon. Willy Okoliogwo, Members of the State Liaison Committee, was presented to the Governor by Hon. Onyeocha.
The Deputy Governor had received the Unity Torch on behalf of the Governor and moved with it to the entrance of Government House from where she handed it back to the officials for onward movement.
The Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima, Commissioners, and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council participated in the event.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma (right), receives the NDDC Sports Festival Torch of Unity Light with the Imo State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha when the officials of the upcoming Festival called at Government House, Owerri.
