Imo SWAN Interfaces With Information Commissioner

 ..As Emelumba Assures On Gov Uzodimma's Passion for Sports Devt

The Imo state Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Honourable Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba has congratulated the Sports writers association of Nigeria (SWAN) Imo state chapter on a successful election while emphasizing on the need for the promotion of our local athletes.

Emelumba said this to the members of the association on Tuesday 20th of August during a courtesy call in his office at the state secretariat New Owerri.

SWAN chairman Mr Cosmos Chukwuemeka during his address introduced the newly elected executives of the association to the commissioner while soliciting for his continuous support. 

The chairman praised the commissioner for the support and attention he has been giving to the association in the past and also highlighted benefits the association has garnered from the government through his office. 

The chairman also noted with delight the efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma in uplifting sports in Imo state and also pointed out the impact of the 3R administration of his Excellency supersedes when compared to other states in Nigeria, siting his motivation to Heartland FC and Heartland Queens as examples. 

Chukwuemeka further appealed for an opportunity for the association to have an audience with the Governor so the association can honour him as one the best sports loving Governor. 

In his response Emelumba said; 

“I want to Congratulate the newly elected executives for a successful election and to also state that supporting this association has always been part of my duty and i can assure you that i will continue to support the association. 

The omission of sports category in the last Governor Uzodimma media excellence award i think was an oversight on the part of the organizing committee but having mentioned it now, we will ensure that it will be corrected this time. 

It is quite disheartening to note that some of our athletes are scattered here and there while representing other states but the most important thing is that government will always ensure that the right incentives will be made available to help them succeed, which you all can testify that the government of Imo state has been doing.

Though for some of them, no matter the incentives, they might want to still represent other states so it is important for the athletes to have the passion for representing the state and that is when the level of patriotism is tested. 

The necessary things will be done to help encourage them. I’m sure you must have realized that the governor is a sports loving Governor and has always supported sports. 

SWAN can testify to his efforts and high level of support compared to what other states has been doing. 

Journalism can make on mar any state. SWAN should always try to encourage those local athletes doing well to help promote them. 

And also beem your search lights on sports managers that are not doing well. This will help the government make informed decisions. 

Finally I will also look at the request you have made to have a one on one interaction with the governor and bring it to the notice of the governor, i am sure he will want to meet with you.” Emelumba concluded.