From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakiliki
The immediate past commissioner for Sport and Youths Development Ebonyi state, Hon. Charles Akpuenika has advised the incumbent governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru to establish a football team for the state.
Akpuenika made this known at the week while speaking to journalists during a civil reception which was organized by his close friends and well wishers in honour of his eight years in service as commissioner in the state.
He noted that the approach would not only provide employment, promote football development, youth restiveness but would discover talented players that could be exported aboard.
His words: yes! we introduced a lot of sport activities ranging from divine mandate grassroot sport development.
“And some talents were discovered during that period. Some of those youths were exported outside this state.
“So the major area I would like this administration to take up is to re-establish a state football team both for the male and female.
“This approach would not only provide job opportunities for our teeming youths in the state but address youth restiveness, discover talent players that could be exported aboard and promote football development.
“Another, is to sponsor the state athletes to national festivals and provide kits for them,” he explained.
Earlier, Mr. Ben Okike, a retired permanent secretary in the ministry described the former commissioner as a game changer.
“He is a man that brought in great innovation in sport development in Ebonyi and I want to use this opportunity to charge you not to relent because no one knows tommorow”,he said.