SWAN Honours NNL Boss, Other Imo Sports Icons

By Ikemefuna Asika

The Chairman, Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo was among eminent indigenes of Imo state who were honoured at the grand finale of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter’s Week, held at the eyebrow Rockview Hotel, Owerri on Saturday.

Aluo, a veteran journalist and frontline administrator per excellence was conferred with the Imo SWAN Sports Iconic Administrator of the Year Award for his exceptional leadership style and innovation he has brought to the NNL dubbed the Most Important League in Nigeria.

Others given recognition for their meritorious service to Imo State and Nigeria at large include Honourable Dr. Obioma Okorie who received the Imo SWAN Sports Motivator of the Year Award for his philanthropic gesture and commitment to grassroots sports development, Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke was rewarded with Imo SWAN Sports Legend of the Year for his efforts at revamping the Naze Millionaires and also his meritorious service to Nigeria both as footballer and as a coach.

Others recognised at the epoch making award were Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Obinna Onyeocha (Imo SWAN Bridge Builder of the Year); Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu (Imo SWAN Talent Hunt Promoter of the Year); Hon. Henry Okafor (Good Friend of Imo SWAN); Ambassador Prince Eleazer Ogbonna (Imo SWAN Grassroots Sports & Talent Hunt Development Promoter of the Year); Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo (Imo SWAN Supporter of the Year); Patrick Osuji (Campos) (Imo SWAN Young Sports Achiever of the Year); Desire Oparanozie (Imo SWAN Women’s Football Personality of the Year);
Barr. Ifeanyi Dike (Father of Football in Imo State); Prince Chidi (Imo SWAN Women’s Football Development Promoter of the Year), Prince Chidiebere Onuoha (Imo SWAN Women’s Football Development Promoter of the Year); Heartland late Chief Coach,Christian Obi (Imo SWAN Most Passionate Coach of the Year (Posthumous Award).

Also recognised was High Chief Dr. Summers VC Nwokie (Ikukuoma 1 of Mbaise), TOE Ekechi and and Honourable Representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency Hon. Akarachi Amadi as Imo SWAN Talent & Sports Development Promoter of the Year.

NUJ Chairman Ifeanyi Nwanguma was recognised as the Imo SWAN Most Innovative NUJ Chairman while Jennifer Anusiem was awarded with Foremost Women’s Football Proprietor.

For his efforts at repositioning grassroots football, former Super Eagles midfielder, Ifeanyi Ekwueme was named Imo SWAN Young Football Development Trailblazer of the Year while Rev Dr. Eches Divine Eches won Imo SWAN Sports Chaplain of the Year and Pastor Ukah Ndubuisi Odigomma received Imo SWAN Outstanding Referee of the Year.

The event which commenced with a glamorous red carpet at 2 pm, brought together prominent figures in sports, government, and the private sector.

In his opening remarks at the event, Chairman Imo SWAN, Cosmos Chukwuemeka expressed gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing the association’s commitment towards recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to sports development in Imo State and Nigeria as a whole.

He also reaffirmed SWAN dedication to supporting the growth of sports through such initiatives, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue contributing to the sector.

“This is our way of saying thank you to those who have left an indelible mark in the world of sports,” he stated.

He applauded the organizing team for a good job which resulted in the successful event.

The event had in attendance attendance top dignitaries, including representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Musa Gusau who was represented by the Chairman, Abia State Football Association, Dr Obioma Onyeaghala ; the Imo FA Chairman, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike; Hon. Dr. Obioma Okorie; Hon. Asimonye Udennaka, NNL Chairman, George Aluo, CEO First Mahi, Prince Chidiebere Onuoha and CEO, Campos FC Patrick Osuji, NNL Board Member, Emmanuel Attah, NNL Administrative Secretary, Nicholas among others.

The Imo SWAN week activity commenced with a Road Walk across important areas in Owerri also witnessed a seminar aimed at improving members crafts with the aid of the Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The members also engaged themselves in healthy sports competition such as Table Tennis, Ludo, Whot, Scrabble, Chess and Draught.

Earlier on Saturday, the Indomitable Imo SWAN team held highly rated Diamond Dynamics Fitness Club (DD FC) to a 1-1 draw at the ICAPS Training Pitch, Egbu Road, Owerri.