In a bid to bolster sports development in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma has handed over three brand-new buses to the Heartland Football Clubs of Owerri.
The presentation, which took place during the weekend at the Imo Government House, saw Heartland FC receiving a brand new 32-seaters Toyota coaster bus and a sprinter bus, while Heartland Queens FC got a new 32-seaters coaster bus respectively.
While presenting the buses to the officials of the clubs, Governor Uzodinma commended the footballers and their handlers for performing well so far with minimal support and urged them to do better as more encouragement will be inevitable.
Governor Uzodimma enjoined the supervising Ministry of Sports Development to reduce bureaucracy and allow the football clubs managers, particularly the technical manager of Heartland Football Club, Emmanuel Amuneke, who is tested and trusted, and possesses the technical competence, the freehand to take responsibility for his actions.
He reiterated his earlier directive that Amuneke should have unfettered access to his office as regards his activities as technical manager.
Governor Uzodimma remarked that the vehicles are to enable the Clubs bring laurels to the state and advised them, especially the drivers, to be careful about how they manage road traffic, bearing in mind that they are conveying Imo Ambassadors.
He assured of government continuous support to the male and female Clubs and urged Amuneke to show more commitment that will result in success at all times.
In his appreciation, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Obinna Onyeocha thanked God for the day and particularly the Governor, for his fatherly support to the Ministry and the Football Clubs, noting that the donation of the buses “is just one out of many of such supports.”
He assured that the buses will be put to proper use and for the purpose they are meant for, even as he promised that they will be properly maintained.
