By Kingsley Uzowulu
The Imo State Ministry of Sports has announced plans to seek a waiver from the state government to recruit young athletes and experienced coaches into the Imo State Sports Commission.
The Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Evaristus Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu), made this known during an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State chapter, led by Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka, at his office in the State Secretariat, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.
Onyeocha noted that Imo is blessed with abundant sporting talents, many of whom are currently excelling outside the state. He stressed that employing them as civil servants with regular salaries would be a key step in attracting them back home.
“If this waiver is approved, our young athletes will gradually replace the aging and retiring sportsmen and women in the Commission,” the Commissioner explained.
He expressed delight at the progress of Imo’s young athletes, particularly their performance at the last National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The state’s contingent won a total of 17 medals, surpassing its previous records.
Highlights of the medal haul included:
Gold in Cricket
Gold in Abula (Female Team)
Silver in Abula (Male Team)
Eight Silver Medals in Para Athletics, Darts, and other events
Six Bronze Medals
Three medals, including a Gold in Shooting—a sport Imo participated in for the first time.
Onyeocha commended SWAN for its support and pledged continued collaboration with the association to foster the growth and development of sports in the state.
