…as Imo Basketball Classic 2021 is set to dunk off, players arrive Dan Anyiam Stadium

…Sports Commissioner pledges more support for basketball

The Imo state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Dan Chike Ogu has hailed the Imo Basketball Classic which dunked off on Sunday, 5th of December 2021, at the newly constructed Basketball court at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

Hon. Ogu at a reception of Basketball players and officials who arrived Owerri the Imo state capital on Friday from various states in the southeastern region of Nigeria, commended the Imo state Basketball Association, Mr Kelechi Anosike and Imo state Basketball Veterans for their productive partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in coming up with the epic tournament that has over 150 players and officials converge in Imo state for the first of its kind basketball competition.

“Basketball has been highlighted as a veritable tool to curb youth restiveness and unemployment in Imo state as well as Nigeria.

He thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for investing hugely in sports as he vowed that the government will continue to explore ways of developing the game from the grassroots while paying more attention to players and coaches welfare.

“Imo state has a young population which is a blessing in disguise if well harnessed. This population can channel their energy into sports which will not only solve the problem we face as a state and nation but turn to a goldmine in boosting the economy”, he stated.

He urged the visibly excited and jubilant players to be disciplined, adhere to fair play and maintain cordial friendship amongst themselves. He charged the participants to use the opportunity to exhibit their talents and make a career in basketball.

He added that fantastic prizes would be given to the first three teams, the most valuable player and the best-behaved team. He assured that the Imo Basketball Classic will be an annual event.

In his reaction, the Chairman of the Imo Basketball Association, Kelechi Anosike stated thus, “I praise Governor Hope Uzodimma for his vision of a prosperous Imo and appointing the proactive, pragmatic and productive Hon. Dan Ogu as the Youth and Sports Development Commisioner. He has breathed fresh air into the Imo Sports sector as you can see that almost every sports federation is bubbling with various activities.”

He reiterated the determination of the association to take basketball to the next level in the state.

The Chairman of the Imo Basketball Veterans gave kudos to Hon. Dan Ogu for making it easy to achieve the feat with his maximum support as basketball has been quite comatose for years in the state. He stated that “The veterans are giving back to the society and the game that took them off the streets and gave them a better life and they will continue to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to uplift the Basketball in Imo state.

In attendance was the Acting Director of Sports at the Imo State Sports Council, Emmanuel Metu and other stakeholders in the sports sector of Imo state.

The high point of the reception was the presentation of a customised Basketball jersey to Hon. Dan Ogu by the Imo Basketball Veterans.