• Rewards Falcons, congratulates Aluo
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has promised more financial and moral support to Heartland Football Club of Owerri, which recently won promotion to the elite Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
Uzodimma, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri, Nnamdi Anyaehie, when officials of Heartland FC presented the Nigeria National League (NNL) play-off trophy they won in Asaba, Delta State, to him, congratulated the club for their feat and pledged his government’s continouos support in their bid for higher honours.
The governor informed the team that Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, has been renovated for their use, just as he pledged to increase financial support to the club.
Presenting the trophy and the team, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Emeka Okoronkwo, thanked the governor for his ‘fatherly support,’ which helped the team to 14 unbeaten games.
Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma has also congratulated Mr. George Aluo, who was recently appointed as chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Aluo was named as the chairman of the country’s second tier football league regulatory body, at the weekend. Other members of the new board are Khamisu Ahmed Mailantaki (vice chairman), Yakubu Sarma, Dani Mohammed, Donald Ikpe, Joseph Uzoma Ebowusim, Dotun Sanusi and Emmanuel Attah, who is the chief executive officer.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma said he received with joy Aluo’s appointment, describing it as most fitting and well deserving.
Uzodimma said he has followed Aluo’s sports Journalism career trajectory for years and believes he has a lot to contribute to football development in the country, as a veteran sports journalist.
The governor also said it is important to note that coming from Ngor Okpalla Local Council of Imo State, Aluo has joined the long list of Imo citizens gifted to Nigeria by the state for positive causes in national development and unity.
Earlier, the governor had announced the release of N3 million largesse, which he promised the six members of Super Falcons from Imo State, who participated in the 2022 Africa Women’s Championship in Morocco.
He had promised to give each of the players N5 million when they paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri last year.
The beneficiary of the donation are Desire Okparanozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Vivian Ikechukwu, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ohale Osinachi and Michelle Alozie.
The governor said he was particularly touched by the display of football artistry by the women against their Moroccan opponents, noting that the six ladies did Nigeria proud.
