Sports development: IMSG advances plan to revive school sports, says Onyeocha
Photo : Group photograph with Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Evaristus Onyeocha,(in the middle on red), by his right is Mr. Cosmos Chukwuemeka, SWAN Chairman shortly after the interactive session
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Poised by her commitments to reposition the State in national and global sports events through grassroot sports development, Imo State government under Governor Hope Uzodimma has advanced plans to commence school sports so as to discover budding talents at the grassroots
The State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, disclosed this during an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, held last Friday at the Commissioner’s office in the State Secretariat.
Onyeocha announced his Ministry’s plan to collaborate with the State Ministry of Education in reviving the once-thriving All Secondary Schools Games, as part of their long-term strategy to discover and nurture young talents for future National Youth Games (NYG) and the National Sports Festival (NSF).
The Commissioner commended Imo SWAN for their consistent support during the just-concluded 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, emphasizing that grassroots sports development, particularly at the secondary school level, holds the key to producing the next generation of champions for Imo and Nigeria at large.
“Going forward, the Ministry of Sports will be working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education to ensure the rebirth of the Secondary School Games. That is where we can spot athletes between the ages of 12 and 15 and begin to groom them early for the National Youth Games and ultimately the National Sports Festival.
“If we get this right, Imo will not only improve on what we achieved in Asaba but will dominate future competitions in Nigeria,” he assured.
Recall that Team Imo won three gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals at the just concluded National Youth Games, NYG held in Asaba, Delta State capital.
However, with the Commissioner particularly highlighting the historic gold medal in Shooting — a sport the state entered for the first time, he further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Governor Uzodimma on the need to establish a Shooting Range in the State so as to consolidate on the breakthrough.
He acknowledged the challenges of limited facilities and late preparations, reiterating that early camping and talent discovery through school sports would provide a sustainable pathway to future growth and development of sports in the State.
The Sports Administrator also applauded the presence and encouragement of SWAN members in Asaba, describing their role as a partnership that boosted the athletes’ morale.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner expressed optimism that with renewed commitment to grassroots sports and the proposed collaboration with the Education Ministry, Imo will surpass its current achievements at the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu.
