By Tunde Liadi
The Executive Chairman of Imo Sports Commission, Prince Sir Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna has described members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, as critical stakeholders to grassroots sports development and talent hunt.
Ogbonna popularly called Ambassador made this assertion on Friday in his country home at Obinze, Owerri West LGA, Imo State when members of SWAN, Imo state chapter paid him a courtesy visit.
Explaining his administration’s master plan for sports revival and grassroots development in the state, the Sports Commission Chairman noted that SWAN members has a key role to play in actualizing the master plan which according to him is intended to not just keep the youths of the state effectively and gainfully busy but also to improve the state internally generated revenue.
He maintained that globally, the success of sports development in every society can hardly be achieved without a robust collaboration with the sports journalists who are saddled with the responsibility of disseminating the activities of the Commission.
“My administration will work with members of SWAN closely to ensure that the era of sitting and waiting for what the government brings has gone, that we have moved to the era of starting something the little way we can before asking the government for little assistance,” Ogbonna stated.
“As a publisher of Sports Ambassador and Ambassador Newspaper, I truly understand the vital role sports journalists play in shaping the face and success of sports development.
“After my appointment, I took time to tour Europe for contacts that have shown great deal of interest with our Commission to help in achieving our set goals and since my return, I have not relented as I have ensured that fund for Heartland FC’s registration into the 2022/23 NNL was made available while some repair works on some facilities and repainting of the Dan Anyiam Stadium have since commenced.
“I have a plan to meet with all the sports associations in the state with the view of finding out their challenges and ways we can better their lot and make them more viable.”
Responding, the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo chapter, Everest Ezihe commended the Sports Commission Boss for his relentless and dedication towards rebranding sports in the state promising him that SWAN will partner with him on his programmes towards achieving great success in the development sports in Imo.
He Lauded his selfless and spirited effort and the use of his personal funds to execute some of the projects he has already started urging him not to ignore SWAN in the scheme of his programmes.
