Imo Sports Commissioner sees Sports Journalists as partners in sports development
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, the Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports sees Sports Journalists as critical stakeholders in the development and transformation of sports and its activities in the State and Nigeria at large.
Okoronkwo made the observation while parleying with members of Imo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN in his office at the State Secretariat along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri concerning the preparation of Heartland FC, Owerri for the just commenced 2023/2024 Nigeria premier league.
The Commissioner applauded the Sports Journalists for their constructive criticisms and objective reportage of the football club and other sporting activities in the State, since his assumption of office as a Commissioner.
He was accompanied during the media briefing by Mr. Promise Nwachukwu, Elder Casmir Mbachu and Barr. Nkechi Anukam, the General Manager, General Coordinator and Head of Administration, Heartland FC respectively
Egbejiagaogu as he popularly known and addressed pointed out that Sports Journalists in the State have been integral parts of the success stories of sports development and transformation in the State prompting his Ministry into given three members of the State SWAN appointment as Media Director and Media Officers of Heartland FC, Owerri and Heartland Queens FC, Owerri.
Okoronkwo expressed dismay over Heartland FC first season outing last Saturday at Dan Anyiam International stadium Owerri with the visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi in which the home team forced the visiting team to 2-2 draw.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the Naze Millionaires will perform creditably well in their subsequent matches including their forthcoming two quick session away matches starting this Saturday with Plateau United of Jos and ending next week Saturday with Sunshine Stars of Akure.
He reiterated his commitments in carrying Sports Journalists along in all sporting activities involving the State just as he commended the leadership of Imo State SWAN under Rotn. Everest Ezihe for exhibiting high-level of professional initiatives, patriotism and compassion.
In their contributions, Nwachukwu, Mbachu and Anukam who are management members of Heartland FC thumbed up the Commissioner for his administrative acumen and for sustaining collaborative partnership with members of SWAN.
