A group, simply identified as Concerned Citizens of Imo Sports Men and Women, has staged a 1 million match in solidarity with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s bid for a second tenure in office.
The group, made up of members of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Sports Commission, Supporters Club, Heartland Fc. fans, Para athletes amongst others appearing in their unique pollo T-shirt with inscription “Tested and Trusted” match from Freedom Square to Government House.
Receiving the Sports men and women on behalf of the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Government House Owerri, Barr.Nnamdi Anyaehie, promised to strengthen the support for the sports sector by ensuring that priority is given to it.
He also assured that budgetary allocation for sports in Imo State will be doubled during his second tenure in office.
Describing Uzodimma as Sports loving Governor, youth and Sports-centric Governor, who is always supportive of young men and women, Anyaehie told the group that nobody or circumstances will ever stand between the ability of the governor to succeed in any venture he puts his mind or interest in.
He commended them for appreciating all that the Governor has done in the areas of sports which include; uplifting the development of sports infrastructure as can be seen in the Stadium amongst others.
Anyaehie added that presently, Imo Sports Men and Women attend sports competitions fully equipped with resources that have helped them to succeed and win laurels for the state.
He said: “As long as Sen. Uzodimma remains the Governor of Imo State, funding will never be an impediment to the success and overall sports development”.
Earlier in his address, the Coordinator, Engr. Chibuike Onyejietu, described “the governor as a leader who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way, a leader who has the capacity to translate vision to reality.”
The group hails Governor’s various inputs in sports development such as “sponsoring contingents to both National and International competitions, hosting of National Volleyball competition for the first time in more than 10 years, encouraging sporting activities by making various stadia in Imo State to wear a new look.”
They pleaded for more allocation of funds and more attention to sporting activities involving men and women in his second tenure in office, while also advocating to be part of the feature tournament like Governor’s Table Tennis Tournament, Volleyball, handball, basketball especially among secondary schools in Imo State.
While praying for the reelection of the Governor on November 11, 2023,the group assured that they will mobilise support by making sure they vote for the Governor to succeed.
. TheWitness
