By Kate Toochi
May 1 (Newshour.com.ng) – The Accord candidate for the November 11, 2023 governorship election, Ikenga Johnjude Okere has pledged he would make Imo Nigeria’s number one state in sports, entertainment and tourism, when elected.
He made this declaration while talking to journalists in Owerri, recently. According to him, “We have a wonderful package simply known as SET that will revive as well as revitalize sports, entertainment and tourism in Imo State. When fully accomplished, this project will skyrocket Imo as Nigeria’s number one state in sports, entertainment and tourism investments and promotions”.
Johnjude Okere revealed that it was regrettable that at a time sports was used to take youths away from crime as well as explore it as a veritable avenue for employment and youth empowerment, the authorities in Imo State only saw it from the point of social and recreational activities.
He said, “It is regrettable that Heartland are on relegation. It means that the CAF competitions that are dollar spinners are eluding the team and it is an economic loss to our dear state.
“Again, sports like basketball, tennis, handball and athletics are equally denominated by virtually all the hard currencies of the world, yet you cannot hear any Imo player or team participating in any of the mentioned sporting completions. This is not too good for us”.
Adding, Ikenga Johnjude enthused thus, “When I am elected Imo State governor on the platform of Accord party this November, I assure you that we not only make sports growth and development a top priority, but we shall also, through our music and showbiz promotions attract some of the best artists in the country to perform in Owerri and it will be a national reference point which will be the envy of all in the country. It will bring both positive image and economic prosperity”.
On tourism, the Ihitte Okwe, Ngor Okpala born politician revealed that his administration would turnaround the now abandoned Nekede Zoo into a tourist destination as well as convert some historic centres like Oguta Lake, Imo River and Abadaba Lake in Obowo into symbolic sites of attraction. And in that way, they will bring revenue generation to the state.
Discussion about this post