By Wakawaka Sports
Imo State is set to take a major step forward in basketball development with the construction of a world-class basketball court at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, disclosed this while formally handing over the project site to the contractor handling the construction.
According to Onyeocha, the facility, attracted to the state through Chiney Ogwumike, former Los Angeles Sparks player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), will provide basketball players and enthusiasts with a modern facility built to international standards.
The commissioner expressed excitement over the project and commended Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for providing the enabling environment for the successful execution of projects aimed at advancing sports development in the state.
He also appreciated Mr. Peter Ogwumike for allowing his daughter, Chiney, to give back to society by attracting the project to Imo State, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to the development of basketball.
Speaking on the project, Mr. Peter Ogwumike expressed happiness that his daughter was giving back to society through sports development. He assured the state that the project would be a classic facility that would positively impact basketball in Imo State.
The contractor handling the project, Mr. Opeyemi Babalola, popularly known as Welber, said the facility would be a state-of-the-art basketball court and one of the best of its kind in this part of the world.
Babalola assured the state government and the basketball community that his team would deliver the project to the required standard, with completion expected within two and a half months.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Okeahialam representated by the media manager of the association Crmd Kennedy Onwunali called for the use of the best-standard equipment in executing the project.
Okeahialam stressed that the quality of equipment and materials used would be crucial to achieving the vision of a truly world-class basketball facility. He urged the contractor to ensure that every aspect of the project meets the highest possible standard.
He also expressed the appreciation of the Imo State Basketball Association to the Ogwumike family for their commitment to the development of basketball and for attracting such an important project to the state.
Okeahialam said the completion of the facility would provide a major boost to basketball development in Imo State, offering players, coaches and officials a modern platform for training, competition and talent development.
The project is being seen as an important investment in the future of basketball in Imo State, with stakeholders hopeful that the new facility will help position the state as a major destination for basketball activities in Nigeria.
