Imo State Governor rewards Golden Eaglets with scholarship, land, cashgift

The Imo State government in its bid to encourage hard work and sportsmanship has celebrated the Imo indigenes that played with the Golden Eaglets Team that won the U-17 2013 World Cup at the United Arab Emirate recently. 

The State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha who received the team with excitement during the grand-reception organized for them at the Government House, Owerri described them as true Imo Ambassadors for making the State proud and redeeming the prestige of the nation among the nations of the world. Governor Okorocha announced a cash donation of 2million Naira to the Assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke and 1million Naira respectively to Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chidera Eze and Odinaka Uzoho. He also announced the donation of parcel of land to each of them at choice area in the State capital as well as scholarship award to university level. Owelle Okorocha further announced their enlistment for the awards of highest honours in the Imo Merit Award instituted by the State government to honour citizens who have excelled in their different fields of endeavour. He noted that the boys have written their names in gold by displaying skills, spirit of resilience and excellence which Imolites are known for and charged other youths in the State to toe the path of honour rather than engaging in criminal acts that can endanger their future. In his remarks earlier, the State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere noted that out of the 26 goals scored by the Golden Eaglets at the tournament, Kelechi Iheanacho from Ohaji Egbema scored 6 goals emerging as the most valuable player and 2nd highest goal scorer. He commended the team for the outing which he said has brought the State, the Nation and the entire African continent to limelight. The players unanimously attributed their success to God and thanked the government and people of Imo State for the warm reception accorded them. They advised their fellow youths to work towards developing their talents as God has endowed every individual with specific gifts and enjoined them to desist from all forms of evil associations. The team was treated was treated to a rousing reception by the government and the people of Imo State as they were received at the Sam Mbakwe Airport and their convoy waded through the major streets of Owerri to the Government House where they were received with admiration and cheers.