Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Imo state chapter on Wednesday honoured the Managing Director MD, of Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission ISOPADEC, Chief Charles Orie as its Patron.
Decorating the intervention commission MD, the state SWAN Chairman, Mr Everest Ezihe described Chief Orie as a through sports man right from his tender age noting that his antecedents at the grassroots sports development dates back to over 20 years especially at his Community in Umuokanne, Ohaji/Egbema LGA were his football tournament WS instrumental for the empowering youths of the area as well as helping to curb youth restiveness.
“SWAN members cannot forget in a hurry your hospitality during those tournaments and your continued followership of Heartland FC games not minding your busy schedule.
“We in fact want to appreciate Governor Hope Uzodinma for appointing into such a sensitive position as ISOPADEC MD which goes a long way to recognise your capacity and ability to deliver following your track record of empowering the youths and your environment.
While encouraging Chief Charles Orie not to relent in his worthy antecedents especially his cordial relationship with news men, SWAN Chairman used the medium to inform him of their up coming programme in conjunction with South East SWAN seeking the commission’s intervention for a successful programme which brooding and enlighten sports journalist in the zone.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Orie appreciates the honour given to him pointing out that he is not the only sports lover in the area and the state.
While promising to continue to partner the sports writers body, he admonished them to always report objectively and shun negative reports that are capable of inciting the populace especially considering the insecurity situation in the state and the nation.
He urged SWAN members to always project the achievements of the 3R government whom he also described as a sports loving Governor following the amount of work done with one year to promote sporting activities.
Some of the dignitaries who witnessed the brief event include; Hon Emma Orie (Former Assembly Membee, Ohaji/Egbema LGA), Hon Golden Nwokoma (APC Chieftain), Hon Justus Ojika (Former Secretary ADAPALM) and Hon Damian Oparah (SA Media to ISOPADEC MD) among others.
