Abia Deputy Speaker Pledges Support for Sports Development, Welfare of Sports Writers

The Deputy Speaker, AbIa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, has pledged his continued support for sports development and the welfare of sports journalists in the State.

Nmeregini was speaking when he played host to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its Interim Chairman, Kingsley Okwum, who paid him a courtesy visit in Umuahia.

He appreciated the sports writers for their visit and assured that he would do everything within his disposition to advance the interest of the association.

The Deputy Speaker, who is also a member of the House Committee on Sports, while noting the association’s request for representation on sports boards and increased government support, promised to make a case for qualified members of the body.

“His Excellency is one that emphasises merit, and I know that you have those who are qualified in your numbers. So I will also make a case for it, believing that it will come out good,” Nmeregini said.

“Whatever thing I can do for you as the Deputy Speaker, or whatever thing you feel I can do for you as your patron, I will also do for you. So the position does not actually matter to me.

“You have me as your partner in progress. Anything you want me to do that is within my powers and within my scope, I want to assure you I will put in my best to have it actualised”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed his passion for sports and disclosed that he has personally sponsored young football talents to Europe as part of his efforts to empower youths through sports.

According to him, two young footballers are currently developing their careers in Europe, while arrangements are being concluded for a third to travel later this year.

“Presently, since I assumed office, I have succeeded in taking two young footballers to Europe. They are still at their young formative stages,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Nmeregini explained that he had deliberately kept the identities of the players away from the public to prevent distractions and undue pressure from family members and friends.

He further disclosed that another footballer under his mentorship, who recently completed the season with Akwa United FC, has received invitations from both Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Abia Warriors, with efforts underway to secure a trial opportunity for him in Sweden.

He stressed that sports remained not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful means of livelihood and social transformation.

“A sports person who makes it big has a better position or opportunity to influence society because of the ripple effect they usually have on the larger community”, he noted.

Earlier, the SWAN Interim Chairman, Mr. Kingsley Okwum, said the association deemed it necessary to identify with the Deputy Speaker because of his contributions to sports development and youth empowerment.

He described Rt. Hon Nmeregini as “a silent achiever” whose interventions in sports had not received adequate public attention.

“We know there are a lot of notable names that you have exported to Europe as a result of helping them off the streets, and they are doing well in their respective clubs”, Mr Okwum said.

The SWAN chairman appealed to the Deputy Speaker to assist in creating opportunities for sports journalists to be involved in sports administration and to facilitate stronger collaboration between the association, the state government and the Ministry of Sports.

Also speaking, a member of the Association, Mr. Imeremba Imeremba of Real FM, said SWAN was seeking a closer working relationship with the government through the Deputy Speaker, noting that journalists have consistently projected the positive image of Abia State through their reportage on various media platforms.

“We believe that having someone of your standing as our ally would open new opportunities for the association and give sports journalists a stronger sense of belonging.

“We have continued to promote Abia State positively through our reports and platforms, and we believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial,” he said.

The immediate past Chairman of the Association, Sir Vincent Obike, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for receiving the delegation and for his assurances of support.

He described the visit as the beginning of a stronger partnership between SWAN and the Abia State Government aimed at advancing sports development and promoting the welfare of sports journalists in the state.

Other members of the delegation included Charles Enehkaze of AIT, Amarachukwu Uzoukwu of National Ambassador Newspaper, and Igwe Onuoha of Vision Africa.