Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
A former President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, has advocated for return of national sports commission in the country
Ndubuoke when he received members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State chapter, when they visited him after their successful election in the state.
He regretted that the present structure of sports administration in the country is defective and may not support the Minister’s aggressive drive to development in the country.
He called for support and encouragement of Nigerians adding that all the states doing well in sports in Nigeria today have sports commission which should emulated.
He pointed out that comparing achievements in sports in Nigeria under the national sports commission and under the ministry, one is bound to conclude that lofty policies such as adoption of athletes and facilities cannot thrive under ministerial bureaucracy.
He said giving the zeal and capacity of the minister Mr. Sunday Dare to turn sports into a big industry in Nigeria, the pioneer Chairman Imo State Sports Commission said that the Minister deserve the support of Nigerians to succeed.
He recalled one of the focal point of Governor Emaka Ihedioha-led administration which was sports development, adding that he had a clear vision of using sports to engage Imo Youths and provide job opportunities
Ndubuoke stated that Imo State was declared Home of Sports by the Honourable Minister for Youths and Sports giving the establishment of Sports Commission in the state and the blue print of Governor Ihedioha on sports.
He traced the crisis rocking Heartland FC to greed, selfishness and meddlesomeness by those who should have provided the moral compass better Management of the club.
He accused some board members of the Football Association of been guilty because they failed to be the father and impartial judge in all football matters.
He called on the chairnan of FA Imo State, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam as the known voice in football matters in Nigeria to call his members to order if the body is to play it’s fatherly role seamlessly.
He congratulated the members of for their successful election and promised to continue to support the association
In his speech earlier, the chairman of SWAN Imo State chapter, Comrade Everest Ezihe thanked Ndubuoke for all his long standing assistant and support to the association.
He said that having been elected as a leader of the association, he is determined to sanitize the association and restore its lost glory.
He informed Chief Ndubuoke that they are in his office to intimate him about the just held election of new executives that is saddled with the duty to pilot the affairs of the association.
He maintained that as long as SWAN remains strong, Chief Ndubuoke cannot be someone that would be forgotten giving his enormous contributions in the development of sports in Imo State and in Nigeria at large.
