Before his emergence as the Governor of Imo State, Sports and general youth development were almost nonexistent as there was no well thought empowerment programme for Imo youths to be effectively engaged and productively, too.
While the low moments lasted, Governor Uzodimma for his love for the youths of Imo State and knack for excellence in every facet of governance had re-strategized and rejigged the administrative leadership, which has brought so much motivation to the athletes; and the results are there to prove Governor Uzodimma’s historic turn around of the Sports sector and general youth development.
The most recent of the long list of feats is the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, which have drawn to a thrilling close, leaving spectators and participants alike in awe of the remarkable sporting talents on display. As the final day of competition unfolded, Team Imo Athletes under Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma emerged as a dominant force, bringing home a total of eleven medals, showcasing their excellence across various disciplines.
In the pool, which used to be an elusive area in Imo Sports, Team Imo swimmers dove into action and claimed an impressive haul of two gold medals, showcasing their prowess and determination in the aquatic arena. The commitment and dedication of these young athletes were evident as they outpaced their opponents and secured the coveted top spots.
Hockey, a quintessential team game, witnessed Team Imo clinching another gold medal, adding to their feats of glory. Their indomitable spirit and teamwork led to a triumphant victory in the hockey finals, reaffirming the notion that success in sports is a collective effort.
On the track and field, Team Imo athletes shone brightly, securing a remarkable three silver medals. The grit and determination displayed in the 800-meter race and other athletic events earned them these well-deserved honors.
Meanwhile, the golf course and the dartboard also bore witness to Team Imo excellence, contributing two silver medals each. These worthy achievements demonstrate the versatility and talent of the state’s young athletes, as they excelled in both precision and finesse sports.
In the wrestling ring and on the Kokowa mat, Team Imo grapplers showcased their prowess, earning one bronze medal each. These achievements are a testament to the physical strength and technique honed by these dedicated athletes.
But the accolades and gratitude do not end on the podium. Team Imo dedicates their remarkable achievements to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his relentless efforts and unwavering support towards Team Imo and sports development in the state. The governor’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Team Imo’s success.
Additionally, Team Imo extends heartfelt appreciation to Victor Nwachukwu, SA Youth Mobilization Okigwe Zone, Onuoha Chukwuma, SA Youth Mobilization Owerri Zone, and Ajoku Chinedu, SA Youth Mobilization Orlu Zone, for their presence and support to the Team Imo contingents. Their unwavering dedication to youth and sports development has been instrumental in the team’s achievements.
As the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, conclude, Team Imo’s remarkable performance stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to sporting excellence. The eleven medals they bring home, including two golds, affirm their status as formidable competitors on the national stage. These young athletes have not only made Imo state proud but have also inspired a new generation of sports enthusiasts. Congratulations to Team Imo on their outstanding achievements at this year’s National Youth Games!
Gov Uzodimma’s Footprints In Imo Sports Development
On July 5, 2023, there was a wild jubilation across Imo State over the historic feat achieved by Heartland Football Club of Owerri, after subduing Sporting Lagos 2-1 in their group fixture during the NNL Super 8 Competition in Asaba, the Capital Territory of Delta State.
The Club had shown uncommon resilience as it came from behind to defeat its promotion arch opponent, Sporting Lagos.
That singular victory automatically qualified the Owerri based Club to clinch promotion to the Nigerian Professional League (NPL).
Someone may ask, is it a big? Yes, it is. Sports is one instrument of development that no one ignores in a hurry.
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma understands the place of Sports in development of the society. That was why he made out time to celebrate the feat with the players and the Management team led by Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo. It was one Victory too many for his administration and the people of Imo State.
For the Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, his joy knew no bounds. It was one joyous moment that made him to sing and danced like the David of the Bible. “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of The LORD”, – Psalms 122:1.
Yes, Okoronkwo said so because , it was the LORD’s doing, it was time for Thanksgiving.
In retrospect, Imo State Sports was enveloped with lacklustre performances. The athletes were Ill motivated and mismanaged despite the sacrifices made by Governor Hope Uzodimma. He funded the Sports commission and also ensured the facilities received the desired attention.
Imo State was relegated in the comity of States as its indomitable Sports men and women lost their strength. Their history in various Sporting events like Handball, Football, Volleyball, Combat Sports waned. The younger athletes and other amateurs in various porting events were almost pulling out as they saw no future.
Other notable athletes left the State to represent other States who were interested.
Governor Uzodimma realising the danger in obliterating the strategic importance of Sports to the health of the State and its citizenry went for total rejuvenation. These included some personnel redeployment and bringing other passionate human beings on board. Issue of motivation was addressed while trainers were also inspired by Government’s visible and invisible incentives.
The level of Sports development is one of the indices of weighing the performance of the government is any society.Sports is also an instrument of unity. It is a veritable means of curving crimes because it keeps the youngsters busy. Those who reach the height of their chosen Sporting event take career in it. It’s a means of recreation and the easiest way of popularising the state. It is also a big business as it aides tourism and foreign exchange. The market value is just immeasurable.
Imo State has a history with Sports. From the legendary Spartans to Iwuanyanwu National and today it has come to be known as Heartland Football of Owerri as it is managed by the Government of the State.
Generally, the Socioeconomic structure the state is built around Sports, Education and Hospitality. These three sectors intertwine if not coalesce in many areas.
It is only important to mention some of the achievements of Hope Uzodimma led Government feat in the last 6 months since the appointment of the new Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo;
At the last National Sports festival in Asaba Delta State, Imo State won 12 gold, 8 silver and 25 bronze medals and placed 1st position in the South-East which is the best result in the last 2 decades.
The Imo Basketball Teams participated in the South-East basketball league, which held in Enugu and the female team came 1st and the male team 2nd respectively.
The Cricket Teams won 1st position male and female in South-East and the female team won 2st position in Abuja at the National Championship.
The Special athletes of Wheelchair Basketball female team went to Abeokuta for their National League and came 3rd position.
The Imo Amputee football team travelled to Lagos for their national championship and emerged 4th position.
The Athletic Teams travelled to Enugu for a National Marathon and came 3rd position.
Again the Athletics team travelled to Uyo for athletics’ classics where they also gave a good account of themselves throwing up the name of the State.
The Imo Athletes also participated in Abeokuta Athletic championship and also proud qualified to participate at the world athletics trials.
Imo State hosted the 1st phase of the National division 1 & 2 Volley ball league from June 3rd to 12th 2023 and the male and female teams competed.
GRASS-ROOT SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STATE COMPETITIONS
Boxing Association staged a boxing league for all Local Government in Imo State.
Basketball has hosted usual basketball classic for all LGA’s.
Handball Association hosted an U15 Handball championship for all LGA’ while the Sports Commission hosted Uder 15 Athletics competition for all LGA’s in Imo State.
INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM AWARD/VICTORIES
Chituru Nwaozuzu won gold at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup Africa qualification in Abuja and will represent Africa in Portugal.
Loveline Obiji won gold in Para Power Lifting in far way Egypt and will represent Nigeria at the World championship.
Queen Sunday Chibuzor just recently returned from Tunisia where she won 1 gold and 1 bronze medal at the air badminton championship.
HEARTLAND FC OWERRI:
Heartland F.C won the State F.A cup
Heartland F.C was relegated at the last season has maintained an unbeaten run at NNL league to qualify for super 8 and are now in Asaba for super 8 competition to return to premiership.
The Club went ahead to become champions of NNL and subsequently promoted to premiership.
Heartland Queen F.C won the State F.A cup
Heartland Queens F.C has stabilized their position at the premier league and some of the players invited to the National camp while international scouts are going after 2 of the players.
The present Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development , Hon. Okoronkwo with his team has also restructured the Management and Players of Heartland F.C and Heartland Queens which resulted to the peace and success we enjoy now in the Teams.
Asking the Commissioner how the above feats were achieved, he gave Governor Hope Uzodimma all the credits, saying that he he never spared anything to ensure Sports development is not halted in anyway.
He, however, said that the Ministry is not all about Sports but also grooming the future leaders of the State through various programmes under its Social responsibilities.
Among some of the efforts of his Ministry are as following;
Restructuring and organization of Imo Youth parliament numbering over 500, according them all rights and privileges;
Inauguration of Executives of Shared Prosperity which was Co-Hosted with the SA to the Governor on Youth Affairs – Hon. Eric Uwakwe;
Reconciling Youths in 47 communities; making them to develop passion for the Shared Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma;
Working amicably with Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YUFON). Thus; guiding them towards deepened interest in Sports and Governance.
We are at the last stage of reconciliation of various groups within the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the interest of Government.
Working hard to minimize Government’s spending on Sports Development through the establishment of effective marketing structures/strategies
We have proposed the appointment and inauguration of chairmen of various Sports Associations. This is aimed at reducing Government’s funding of Sports Development, when approved.
In all these, I respectfully thank His Excellency the Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma for making it possible for us to attain these heights in 6 months.
Heartland FC Promoted To Nigeria’s Elite Professional League After Defeating Sporting Lagos 2-1 (VIDEO)
On Tuesday, July 5, 2023, the Heartland Football Club of Owerri was promoted to Nigeria’s Elite Premiership League after defeating Sporting Lagos by 2 goals to 1.
The round of Super 8, which kick-started on Sunday, July 2, 2023 among the eight leading clubs in Nigerian National League (NNL) Division 2.
Heartland FC of Owerri, which was grouped among other 4 clubs came tops.
The Owerri club popularly known as Naze Millionaires won two matches and drew one. Emerging the first by points among other three clubs automatically qualified Heartland for promotion for Nigeria Professional Football league (NPFL).
In her first match, Heartland FC drew with Stormers FC of Ogun State as they played goalless. In the second match with FC ONE Rocket of Uyo, the Naze Millionaires prevailed by one goal to nil. On Wednesday when it had its final group match, again Heartland FC overcame the Sporting Lagos FC by 2-1.
Recall that the Heartland FC was demoted last two seasons after a terrible and lacklustre performances owing to mismanagement and lack of motivation to both players and technical crew.
The negative narrative, which drew so much anger and condemnation from the fans took a toll on the performance of the players, leading to their demotion.
Governor Hope Uzodimma in his wisdom rejigged the Imo State Sports Ministry and Youth Development by appointing a new Commissioner, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, to oversee the Ministry and the Sports Commission.
With the development, the Heartland FC on Friday, July 7, 2023, shall be playing finals with Kano Pillars to determine who lifts the Second Division Trophy.
