Grassroots Sports Development: Orie Emerges Imo SWAN Patron

By Ike Njoku

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Imo state chapter, has honoured   the Chairman of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ISOPADEC,Chief Charles Orie, as the state patron of the association.

Decorating Chief Orie in his office,the State Chairman of the association,Mr Everest Ezihe,said that the association decided to honour the Umuokanne-born philanthropist based on his activities in grassroot sports development.He disclosed that Orie has been sponsoring football competitions in his community for decades,adding that he is a sports lover.

The SWAN Chairman used the medium to inform the ISOPADEC boss of proposed Sports seminar billed to take place in the state before the  year runs out,which  the association intends to partner with his Commission.

He thanked the governor for appointing Chief Orie as ISOPADEC boss,stressing that he is a grassroot person and knows the pulse of the people.

Responding shortly after his investiture,Chief Orie thanked members of Imo SWAN for finding him worthy of the honour,pointing out that he is not the only sports lover in the state.He promised to partner with SWAN.

He enjoined journalists to be objective in their reports and report the news raw without bias.