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By Silvernews
A new chapter has begun for basketball in Imo State following the official assumption of office by the newly appointed President of the Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Ekezie Okeahialam.
The short but significant ceremony took place at the office of the Commissioner for Sports Development, the Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, who formally presented the letter of appointment to the new president.
In his remarks, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development and youth engagement, urging the new president to hit the ground running by introducing innovative ideas that will reposition basketball in the state.
Responding, an elated Hon Okeahialam expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and pledged to restore the lost glory of basketball in Imo State.
He assured stakeholders of his determination to transform the sport into one of the most attractive in the state, promising to achieve the goals of the present administration.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Dorothy C. Utazi, and the Association’s Media Officer, Comrade Kennedy Onwunali.
Shortly thereafter, the President paid a courtesy call on the Director of the Imo State Sports Commission, Lady Justina Akpulo, who assured him of her unwavering support.
He also called on stakeholders to shun divisive tendencies and work collectively for the advancement of basketball in the state.
Lady Akpulo noted that the President’s rich curriculum vitae reflects his vast experience in basketball and other key projects around the world.
He expressed confidence that the former Trade Commissioner in the state would be a valuable asset to the development of the game in Imo State. He also introduced members of the technical staff to the new president.
Addressing the basketball community, Hon. Okeahialam said he had a clear mandate from the president of the federation, Engineer Musa Kida, to unite stakeholders and promote gaming culture in the state.
He added that he will work closely with the South East basketball leadership to upgrade facilities and promote grassroots development across Imo State.
He thanked members of the basketball family for their welcome and stressed the need for unity, urging them to leave behind the differences of the past and embrace a shared vision for the future.
He concluded the day with an inspection tour of the association’s facilities, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development and expressing optimism about restoring Imo State’s prominence in basketball at the national level.
