Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has lauded the choice and appointment of Mr. George Aluo as the new Chairman of the Nigeria National League ( NNL).
Aluo was named as the chairman of the country’s football regulatory body at the weekend, with other members like Khamisu Ahmed Mailantaki as Vice Chairman.
Other members include: Yakubu Sarma, Dani Mohammed, Donald Ikpe, Joseph Uzoma Ebowusim, Dotun Sanusi and Emmanuel Attah ( Chief Executive Officer).
A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal received with joy Aluo’s appointment, describing it as most fitting and well deserving.
Governor 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 Government Area of Imo State, Aluo has joined the long list of Imo citizens gifted to Nigeria by the State for positive causes as regards national development and unity.
He said he has no iota of doubt in his mind that Aluo who has shown perseverance, hard work and loyalty will remain a good ambassador of Imo State as he goes about discharging the duty of taking Nigeria football to an enviable height.
Governor Uzodimma also lauded the Heartland Football Club of Owerri for making Imo State proud by winning the Nigeria National League competition, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital
He made this comment when the footballers and their managers stormed the Imo State Government House Owerri to present the NNL Championship cup.
Receiving them on behalf of the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie congratulated the team on their excellent performance at the tournament that gave them the overall champion.
The Chief of Staff reminded them that they won the competition because God’s grace was sufficient for them, hence the entire Imo citizens who collectively prayed for their success are excited over their victory.
He emphasized that the undying spirit and dogged nature of Imo people in particular and the Igbo in general had once more been resurrected with the Heartland FC’s victory.
He reminded them that Governor Uzodimma has shown a lot of commitment in sports and youth development in Imo State as can be seen in the massive renovation of the Dan Anyiam Stadium and full sponsorship of the Heartland FC, among others.
He seized the opportunity to appeal to the youths to shun crime and criminality and turn to sports for survival, growth and development “because crime does not pay.”
“ Successes in sports are rewarding and the gains can be reinvested.”
Anyaehie personally congratulated the players and their technical crew and promised that a better reward awaits them when they meet with the Governor soonest.
Presenting the NNL Champions to the Governor, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon Emeka Okorokwo said that “the team was committed to the victory by exhibiting gallantry and consistency.”
Okoronkwo thanked the Governor for his fatherly support that made the players success possible.
