In light of the disappointing performance of the Imo State contingent at the recently concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) in Uyo, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called upon Governor Hope Uzodimma to investigate the underlying causes.
Imo SWAN made this request during their April monthly meeting, as detailed in a communiqué issued to the press in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
They urged Governor Uzodimma to examine the utilisation of funds and the unsatisfactory performance of the Imo contingent, which has a history of achieving top positions.
According to SWAN, despite the timely allocation of over ₦50 million by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for preparation, the Imo State team finished 8th out of the nine participating teams.
Furthermore, the communiqué expressed concern regarding the state’s readiness ahead of the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to take place in Ogun State next month.
Imo SWAN lamented that the state contingent arrived late, ranked 8th out of nine teams, athletes were inadequately kitted, and were denied training opportunities at the Okigwe Township Stadium by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, due to funding issues, despite the funds released by the NDDC, among other grievances.
The journalists cited disappointing performance, late arrival, poor kit quality, funding issues, denied training opportunities, and insufficient media coverage as reasons for their call regarding the Uyo NSDF outing.
The communiqué stated, “Governor Hope Uzodimma is urged to initiate a thorough investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of the funds released by the NDDC for the NDSF.
“Early Preparation: The government should seize the opportunity provided by the NDSF participation to release funds promptly, ensuring that athletes can prepare adequately for the NSF, thereby avoiding a repeat of the poor performance witnessed in Uyo.
“Infrastructure Upgrade: Urgent attention must be given to the rehabilitation of dilapidated sports facilities across the state. This includes repairs to the Grasshopper Handball Stadium, the tartan track, and the re-roofing of the Dan Anyiam Stadium’s main bowl.
“Athlete Development: There is a clear lack of adequate preparation for athletes representing the state at national events. The government must move beyond rhetoric and commit to the sustained development and training of its athletes to restore the state’s competitive edge.
“Media Engagement: It is regrettable that Imo State did not facilitate the participation of its SWAN members at the NDSF, unlike other states. The government should recognise the crucial role of sports journalism in promoting and documenting sporting achievements and ensure proper media representation at future events.
“Denied Training Opportunities: The refusal of the Sports Commissioner, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha, to approve the athletes’ training at the Okigwe Township Stadium—despite the facility having tartan tracks—due to unconvincing excuses of lack of funding is deeply troubling, especially given the efforts made by the NDDC to financially support all participating states in preparing their athletes.
“NDDC Partnership with SWAN: It would also be beneficial for the NDDC to seek collaboration with SWAN in each state to effectively drive the objectives of the competition,” the communiqué concluded.
The communiqué was signed by Anthony Ahize, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Athan Agbakwuru, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; and Tunde Liadi, member of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
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