…advocates club structure across 27 LGAs
By Silvernews
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Imo State, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, has pledged support for the development of grassroots sports as part of efforts to harness youth potential and curb social vices, Wakawaka Sports reports.
Onyedebelu gave the assurance when he received a delegation led by the Eze-elect of Odu na Izuoha Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise, Eze Vitalist Chikere, during a courtesy visit to his office. Also in the delegation were Mr. Chibu Onuegbu Ejere and Mr. Lawrence Ukachi.
Chikere, a board member of the Imo State Football Association, said sustained investment in sports would significantly reduce youth restiveness and other societal challenges, while also serving as a platform for talent discovery and empowerment.
Speaking further, the Football Administrator of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Comrade Kennedy Onwunali, urged the APC leadership to support the establishment of football clubs in all the 27 local government areas of the state. He noted that such an initiative would provide opportunities for young talents to emerge from the grassroots and grow into professional athletes capable of representing both the state and the nation.
Also, the APC Vice Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise, Hon. Uche Chris Agomuo, stressed the importance of investing in youths through sports, noting that such investments would yield long-term benefits for communities and help build a stronger society.
Responding,
Onyedebelu assured the delegation that their proposals would receive due consideration. He emphasised the need for early identification and nurturing of talents to prevent youths from engaging in activities that could derail their future.
He added that a well-structured sports development framework would enable Imo State to fully harness its abundant human potential and reposition itself as a hub for sporting excellence.
