Imo State is urged to declare a state of emergency at sports facilities

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By Kennedy Onwunali

Sports stakeholders in Imo State have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to declare a state of emergency in sports venues following the disappointing performance of Team Imo at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games.

The Imo team returned home with just five gold medals, raising concerns over the state’s sporting infrastructure.

Experts and former coaches attribute the decline to the prolonged absence of a functional tartan pitch at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, a venue whose pitch was removed several years ago.

Retired athletics coach Joe Chimezie, a former official of the Imo State Sports Commission, said athletes cannot compete effectively without adequate facilities.

“Racing on hard courts and racing on Scottish tracks are completely different. The state risks losing its sporting heritage if urgent action is not taken,” he said.

Documenting the events of the competition, state liaison committee member Kennedy Onwunali noted that the Imo athletes showed determination but struggled against competitors who consistently train on standard Scottish surfaces.

During the games in Benin City, Edo State, athletes were supposed to familiarize themselves with the track and practice using the spikes just hours before the events.

Imo State has historically produced world-class athletes, including Chioma Ajunwa, who won gold in the long jump at the 1996 Summer Olympics; Charity Opara, silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the same Games; and Christy Opara‑Thompson, who won bronze in the 4×100 meter relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Other notable athletes from the state include Obinna Eregbu, Chidi Imoh.

Stakeholders argue that declaring a state of emergency would speed up the construction and rehabilitation of modern sports facilities, including a Scottish track, allowing athletes to train properly and restoring Imo’s once-dominant presence in sprinting, jumping and throwing events in national and international competitions.

“The time to act is now,” added coach Chimezi. “Without immediate intervention, Imo risks falling behind in all major competitions.”

Observers also noted that athletics alone has more than 60 medal events in the men’s and women’s categories, meaning that with adequate preparation and facilities, Imo State could significantly improve its medal prospects in future competitions.