Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has donated two brand new Coaster Buses to the Heartland Football Supporters Club.
He said the donation was a way of encouraging the members to follow the players and cheer them up wherever they are playing their matches within and outside the state.
Governor Uzodimma made the donation at the Government House Owerri, Sunday, recalling his promise during his maiden broadcast to the State that priority would be given to human capital development through Sports, especially football, which is one of the most important activity in Nigeria.
He said Imo people do not only delight in sports but are passionate about football.
Governor Uzodimma said because Imo people hold Heartland Football Club to their heart, “there is every need to encourage the team to come out as a world class football club that will be able to compete favourably, not only in the local league but also in the National and International competitions.”
The Governor said that for a start, “Government had embarked on the rehabilitation of all Sports facilities and infrastructure in the State, ranging from the Stadia that will make work of sports men and women, including Heartland worthwhile.”
He described the Supporters Club as “catalysts that motivate the players to always win their matches, and to encourage the Columbia and the Red Supporters Clubs do the above effectively, the State Government decided to make the donation.”
The Governor enjoined members to own the buses and use them diligently to follow the Club around “to encourage them to win their matches both now and in the future.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports in the State, Mr. Dan Ogu appreciated the Governor for the gesture and assured that they will not let him and the State down.
Chairman of Heartland Columbia Supporters Club, Mr. Ugwuegbulem Nkem described the donation as the first of its kind and promised that they will do their best to make the Governor and Imo people proud.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Commissioners, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of Expanded Executive Council as well as staff and management of Heartland Football Club Owerri were around to witness the ceremony.