The Imo Football Association’s (Imo FA) newly elected Board has started making plans to enlist the support of state stakeholders for the growth of the round-leather game.
The Chairman of the Board, Barr Ifeanyi Dike, has stated his willingness to work with the state’s church leadership to promote football and make it a viable economic contributor.
Dike revealed this on Monday when paying Reverend Divine Eches, the chairman of the Imo State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, a courtesy visit.
He thanked Eches for his unwavering support of the football association and urged more under his direction.
According to Dike, the purpose of the visit was to promote better communication and, in particular, to draw on the vast human resources that are dispersed throughout the Church in the state’s 27 local government districts.
The purpose of the visit, he said, was to get to know you better and express our intention to always uphold the bond that Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, my predecessor, had started with you. We like having constant access to CAN facilities. If we weren’t already Christians, we would have readily accepted Christianity after seeing it in action as you have done.
“To promote peace and security of lives and properties throughout the state and beyond, we intend to draw on the enormous deposits of the church.”
Eches replied by congratulating the newly elected FA chairman and members.
We must push the administration to support and influence our young people, like Kanu Nwankwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, and all the others who have been found in the streets, classrooms, and churches, he stated.
“I pledge on behalf of Imo CAN that we will work with you to help you reach your objectives and carry on Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, the former FA Chairman’s legacy.”
Chief Sylvester Obasi, vice chairman of the FA, Chief Charles Nnadi, Chief Sunny Ndubuisi Ekeocha, Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, and Mr. Clifford, the assistant secretary, were also present.