By Silvernews
A new chapter has begun for basketball in Imo State following the official assumption of office by the newly appointed Chairman of the Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Ekezie Okeahialam.
The brief but significant ceremony took place at the office of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, who formally presented the appointment letter to the new chairman.
In his remarks, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the development of sports and youth engagement, urging the new chairman to hit the ground running by introducing innovative ideas that will reposition basketball in the state.
Responding, an elated Hon. Okeahialam expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to restore the lost glory of basketball in Imo State.
He assured stakeholders of his determination to transform the sport into one of the most attractive in the state, promising to deliver on the objectives of the present administration.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Dorothy C. Utazi, and the Association’s Media Manager, Comrade Kennedy Onwunali.
Shortly after, the chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the Imo State Sports Commission, Lady Justina Akpulo, who assured him of her unwavering support.
She also called on stakeholders to shun divisive tendencies and work collectively for the progress of basketball in the state.
Lady Akpulo noted that the chairman’s rich curriculum vitae reflects his vast experience in basketball and other key projects across the globe.
She expressed confidence that the former Commissioner for Commerce in the state would be a valuable asset to the development of the game in Imo State. She further introduced members of the coaching crew to the new chairman.
Addressing the basketball community, Hon. Okeahialam said he has a clear mandate from the President of the federation, Engineer Musa Kida, to unite stakeholders and advance the culture of the game in the state.
He added that he would work closely with the South-East leadership of basketball to upgrade facilities and promote grassroots development across Imo State.
He thanked members of the basketball family for the reception and emphasized the need for unity, urging them to put past differences behind and embrace a shared vision for the future.
He concluded the day with an inspection tour of the association’s facilities, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development and expressing optimism about restoring Imo State’s prominence in basketball at the national level.
