Imo Para-Sports Association Honours Commissioner for Sports With Award of Excellence

By Amadi Chijioke Divine (Dica Divine)

The Imo State Para-Sports Association recently conferred the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, with the award of "Pillar of Sports/Outstanding Commissioner of the year 2025." 

The epoch ceremony was held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the basketball court of the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State.

Chairman of the association, Chinedu Njoku, stated that the award is a true reflection of the commissioner's dedication, hard work and  commitment to sports development. Under his leadership, the ministry has made significant strides in promoting excellence and supporting athletes.

Njoku, thanked the commissioner for his love and fatherly care. He eulogized the commissioner's unique gestures and exemplary qualities.

"It is a joyful day as we are gathered here to celebrate a man who has done a lot, we recognize his many achievements in the growth and development of sports since he assumed office as the commissioner."

The chairman, further announced that with the support of the commissioner, six athletes from the association ( Special Sports ) have qualified to represent the state in the international para-sports competition, which will take place in Umuahia, Abia State.

The commissioner expressed happiness with the special sports association for the love bestowed on him. He thanked God Almighty, the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, his wife, and everyone in the ministry for their support.

"First of all, I want to thank God Almighty for all he has done, also my appreciation goes to the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, who deemed it fit to appoint me as the Commissioner for Sports in the State, without his appointment we will not be gathered here today. I will also appreciate my lovely wife, who has always stood by me in everything, to the permanent secretary, director of sports and everyone in the ministry, to my friends who are here to celebrate with me and to this esteem special association for deeming me worthy of this award of excellence, I can't thank you all enough for this noble gesture."

The commissioner pledged to continue sports development and improved athletes' welfare. He urged everyone present to support the sports ministry and the athletes who will be representing the state in the international para-sports competition.

"By God's grace and with your support, I will continue to ensure that sports development will continue and athletes welfare will improve."

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the sports industry, including, Lady Justina Akpulo, Director of Sports, Prince Remi Akakem, former chairman of Heartland FC Owerri Dr.Dorothy Utazi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Sixtus Onyeocha, Rev. Princewill Odikanwa, Cynthia Ajaero, Okoroji Justin, Patrick Osuji, President of Campos FC Owerri, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, Chairman, Imo SWAN, Kelechi Anosike, Chairman, Imo Basketball Association, Kenneth Ogbuka, Greg Nwadike, Kelechi Rowland Ama, among others.

The award ceremony was a testament to the commissioner's dedication to sports growth and development. It is expected that his leadership will continue to yield positive results for the state's sports industry.