..Declares Nat’l Volleyball League Closed In Owerri
As the curtain was drawn at the National Volleyball Division 1 & 2 Competition over the weekend at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Professor Placid Njoku on behalf of his Excellency the Governor of Imo state, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has reemphasized the commitment of Imo state 3R administration to restore the high quality level of sporting facilities in Imo state.
Njoku revealed this during his closing speech at the closing ceremony of the volleyball competition.
While addressing the public, Prof Placid Njoku said;
“When I came at the opening of the competition, I saw the enthusiasm in the face of the players and I also saw the Imo state representative anxious to do their best to satisfy the fans.
Today coming back at this closing ceremony I can also see how even more enthusiastic the players are, how they thoroughly enjoyed their games and how they expect to win.
On behalf of his Excellency the governor distinguished senator Hope Uzodinma, I will like to congratulate all of you who have participated in making this competition colorful, it has been a great Success.
We are proud that Imo state has taking its pride of place In bringing all of Nigeria to Owerri to compete on volley ball platform.
The governor is very keen to restore the quality of sports in Imo state and ensure competitors from Imo state rank the best in Nigeria.
In fact to ensure that it happens, the conscious rehabilitation of facilities at Dan Anyiam stadium has continued for the last two years and the indoor game building has been renovated, the hall has necessary gymnastics facilities imported from Europe to Imo state, the purpose is so Imo inhabitants can use this facilities to enhance there health as well as sporting talents.
Imo state government is at the top to ensure the welfare of their citizens, as you finish your programme here I will like to say we are happy and have not gotten any negative report and also the issue of insecurity am quite sure when you go back to your base, you can attest to what you saw now.
We want you to be ambassadors of Imo state government, Owerri is returning as the center of hospitality.
On this occasion on behalf of the governor, I bring this event to a conclusion by declaring it closed.” Njoku concluded.
Recall that this is the first time Imo state is hosting a national volleyball tournament after 2 decades and according to the commissioner for Youths, Sports and social development, Hon Emeka Okoronkwo, this venture was made possible after the intervention of the 3R administration of Gov Hope Uzodimma by giving Sporting facilities at the Dan Anyiam stadium a facelift.
Since the inception of his administration, Dan Anyiam stadium which was moribund and was almost looking like a sorry site now is now wearing a new look.
The hosting of this tournament will be one out of many more tournaments this upgrade will attract.
In very brief address to athletes, officials, fans and press men during the closing ceremony, Okoronkwo said;
“On the 3rd of this month you were here to flag off this competition and today again, it has fallen unto you to declare it closed.
I use this opportunity to thank you for what you have done for sports in Imo state. For some of us who are here. You all know that this is not how Dan anyiam stadium looks like before but since you came on board, you can see face lifting and so many activities.
This is the first time Imo is hosting a national volleyball competition after two decades and it’s as a result of the governor’s impact” Okoronkwo concluded as he invited the Deputy Governor to close the ceremony.
