Governor Hope Uzodimma has 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, and reassured them of government's preparedness to always support sports.

He did on Saturday when the footballers and their managers stormed the Imo State Government House Owerri to present the NNL Championship cup to him.

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.

Furthermore, he reminded the audience that the team was unbeaten in 14 games, scoring 22 goals and conceding only three goals.

An exited Okoronkwo seized the moment to formally inform the Governor that "Heartland has with the success returned to the National Professional Football League NPFL from NNL.."

He further expressed gratitude to the Governor for the good government that has brought hope to Imo youths and promised that they will reciprocate with their votes come November 11, 2023.

Update news