SWAN Flays Sports Ministry’s Neglect Of Sports Bodies In Imo

From JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, Owerri

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) Imo State chapter has condemned the inability of the Ministry of Sports to properly oversee sports associations and clubs in the state.

The group in their communique jointly endorsed by the Chairman and Secretary of SWAN Imo State, Comrade Everest Ezihe and Tunde Liadi respectfully issued after their meeting held yesterday at FA office, Dan Anyiam Sports Stadium, Owerri, noted with regrets that Grasshoppers International Handball Team is in a state of comatose.

They observed with dismay that Heartland Queens Owerri appeared to be disbanded without a  trace of revival while the only football team in Imo State, the Heartland FC are struggling with players and their coaching staff disgruntled over incessant owing of salaries and bonuses which has led to non impressive performance.

They however canvassed for a robust Sports Ministry that would carry the stakeholders along and reposition sporting activities in the state with a committed mission of grassroot sports development, growth and transformation.

The group expressed shock that both the State Government and Ministry of Sports under the watch of Hon Dan Ogu has carefully avoided to heed to the early points and propositions earlier raised in their first communiqué where they also called for the State to be more proactive on grassroots sports development.

The association expressed worries because the Ministry’s activities are media oriented and should be domiciled to public knowledge adding that lack of communication has led to suspicion, innuendos, and falsehood which are not in the best interest of the Ministry nor the State. 

SWAN condemned Imo athletes’ shoddy preparations for the concluded National Sports Festival and inexplicably dropping of some teams and athletes who qualified painstakingly for the competition, thus denying the state chances of winning more laurels.