Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has expressed his commitment to providing increased financial and moral support to Heartland Football Club of Owerri following their recent promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
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During a presentation ceremony where Heartland FC officials presented the Nigeria National League (NNL) play-off trophy to the governor, Uzodimma congratulated the team for their remarkable achievement and assured them of continuous support in their pursuit of higher honors.
Governor Uzodimma, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri, Nnamdi Anyaehie, announced that the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri had been renovated for the team’s use, and he pledged to enhance financial backing for the club.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Emeka Okoronkwo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support, which contributed to the team’s impressive unbeaten streak of 14 games.
He presented the trophy and introduced the team to Governor Uzodimma.
In another development, Governor Uzodimma extended his congratulations to Mr. George Aluo on his appointment as the chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Aluo, a seasoned sports journalist, was named the head of the regulatory body for the country’s second-tier football league. The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, commended Aluo’s appointment as well-deserved, given his extensive career in sports journalism.
Uzodimma expressed confidence in Aluo’s ability to contribute significantly to the development of football in Nigeria.
He also emphasized the significance of Aluo hailing from Ngor Okpalla Local Council of Imo State, highlighting how the state continues to produce talented individuals who positively impact national development and unity.
Furthermore, Governor Uzodimma fulfilled his promise to the six Imo State members of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, who participated in the 2022 Africa Women’s Championship in Morocco.
The governor had previously pledged to reward each player with a sum of N5 million during their courtesy visit to the Government House Owerri last year. Desire Okparanozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Vivian Ikechukwu, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ohale Osinachi, and Michelle Alozie received N3 million each as a token of appreciation for their outstanding performance and for making the nation proud.
Governor Uzodimma commended the players for their remarkable display of football artistry against their Moroccan opponents. He expressed his admiration for their skills and highlighted the pride they brought to Nigeria through their stellar performance.
With Governor Uzodimma’s continued support and recognition of the achievements of sports teams and individuals, Imo State is fostering a culture of excellence and motivation in the sporting arena.
The governor’s commitment to providing financial assistance, infrastructure upgrades, and encouragement reflects the state government’s dedication to the development and advancement of sports in Imo State.
