The Abia State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has presented awards of “Sports Ambassador 2020” to an 11-year-old, Master Ugwunnaya Chiedozie Erondu and “Exceptional Female Commentator of the Year 2020” to a radio presenter, Miss Adaeze Michael.
The awards were presented to the two deserving awardees during a ceremony at the Umuahia Township Stadium, in the state capital, yesterday.
Speaking on the theme “Catching Them Young”, the Commissioner for Sports, Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu, stated that the award which was in line with the vision of the State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, was part of activities marking the Year 2020 International Youth Day.
Ikwuagwu also disclosed that the Abia youth and sports festival which was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic will soon take off as soon as the lockdown is eased on sporting activities in the State.
He noted that the same competition has been concluded at the Local Government level.
The Commissioner further informed the youths and the physically challenged persons in the state of plans to hold multi-sports para games which is also in line with the governor’s directives as plans were at an advanced stage.
He also noted that the Handball Club of the state will soon bounce back to prominence as all necessary logistics have been put in place to ensure it takes off as soon as possible.
Ikwuagwu further disclosed plans for the construction of standard stadiums in the three (3) Senatorial Zones of the State, plans which, according to him, are awaiting approval by the Governor.
He went ahead to state that the ministry will continue to fulfill its mandate towards youths in the state by promoting and awarding excellence among them.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties and father of one of the award recipients, Chief Erondu U. Erondu, thanked the Governor and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development for the giant strides achieved by the State so far in sports.
He disclosed that the 11-year-old Master Ugwunnaya Erondu who is currently in primary 5 developed passion for football having been inspired by his elder brother, Master Chukwuebuka Erondu, who also has interest in the same field.
He encouraged the awardees to continue in their efforts to carve a niche for themselves in their chosen interest areas and passion as they make the State proud.
On his part, the state Youths Sports Ambassador awardee, Erondu, thanked Ikpeazu for his passion for sports which made the event a reality.
Erondu also thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development for the honour conferred on them while promising to do their best in their chosen fields to continue to make the State proud.
Speaking with newsmen after receiving her award, Adaeze Michael who is a sports journalist working with Flo 94.9 FM radio station in Umuahia thanked Ikpeazu for the honor done to her.
She also used the occasion to encourage young Abians to follow their passion wherever it leads.
According to her, “It is my passion for football that has earned me this award which I believe is the first of many to come.”
