By Victor Nwachukwu
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo says his administration remains fully committed to supporting the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Uzodimma, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, said this at the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NNL in Owerri, on Friday.
He said that his administration believed in massive investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots development, and youth engagement through sports.
He described sports as not just recreation, but a veritable tool for youth empowerment, peace building, and economic growth.
“Our grassroots programmes and community leagues, like the recently concluded Imo Unity Cup, which featured tertiary schools in the state, are deliberate efforts to redirect our youths.
“We are particularly proud that the current Chairman of NNL, Mr. George Aluo, hails from Imo and we believe his experience and passion will take NNL to greater heights,” Uzodimma said.
In a brief remark, Aluo hailed Uzodimma for graciously hosting the AGM and “for providing the enabling environment for the activities of the organisation to thrive.”
He said that the NNL board remained committed to accountability, integrity and a conducive atmosphere for the development of young talents.
He urged club owners to eschew desperation and the “win-at-all-cost behaviour” during matches.
Aluo urged them to embrace sportsmanship to make NNL the most competitive, credible and profitable second-tier league in Africa.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of NNL, Dr Danlami Alanana, thanked the league’s partners for their support and pledged a better outing going into the 2026/2027 season.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that football stakeholders in Nigeria, including representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Football Association Chairmen of various state federations, were in attendance at the meeting.
