IMO TO HOST IFPA WORLD UNIVERSAL MUSCLE CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP

Imo State Sports loving Governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has assured of the willingness of his government to host the International Federation of Powerlifting Association's (IFPA) 'World Universal Muscle Classic Championship' later in the year.

The people's Governor gave the assurance, while receiving the reigning Mr. Universe, Prince Kennedy China Nwamkpa, in Government House Owerri recently.

Prince Nwankpa was received by the people's Governor in the presence of his Deputy, Sir Martin Agbaso, his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Prof. Francis Dike, the President of IMSG Raw Power and Body Building Association, Chief Linus Akujobi, The Team Manager and Coordinator of the Association, Barrister Allwell Ndubuaku and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Uche Nwosu.

Commenting while receiving Prince Nwankpa, Governor Okorocha praised him for his exploits in his chosen career and urged him to return home to help his administration to reposition Imo Sports. He also advised Prince Nwamkpa, to always carry the young ones along in his activities, so as to redirect their focus to meaningful activities. Continuing, Governor Okorocha promised to make land available for Prince Nwamkpa to build his personal house in the state capital, to enable him be ground to help play the important role expected of him in reshaping Imo sports.

The Governor Okorocha used the occasion to order for the renovation of Oguta Lake Resort and other places that would be used in hosting the IFPA Universal Muscle Classic Championship in the state even as he assured Prince Nwamkpa of his willingness to attend two of his championships outside the shores of this country as a demonstration of his love and support for the sport and to as way of encouragement. Owelle Okorocha also challenged Prince Nwamkpa to ensure that Raw Powerlifting and Bodybuilding is taken to all the states of the Federation.

While concluding his remarks, the man who made history by emerging victorious in the last governorship election despite all the antics of anti-democratic forces both within and outside the state, asked his Deputy Chief of Staff, Barrister Uche Nwosu, to take over everything concerning the arrangements for the hosting of the International Federation of Powerlifting Association's (IFPA) 'World Universal Muscle Classic Championship. Governor Okorocha concluded by promising to mobilize the good people of Imo State for a 10 kilometer walk when the state officially receives and honours Prince Nwankpa for his global exploits in Powerlifting and Body Building.

Meanwhile, plans have been concluded for the launching of Prince Kennedy China Nwamkpa Foundation in Owerri. According to Prince Nwamkpa, the foundation when launched would carry the youth along in the sport of Powerlifting and Bodybuilding with the sole aim of helping them chart a meaningful life for themselves and for the society.

Speaking to Daily Sunsports during the week, Prince Nwankpa, who just returned from the Imo State capital, said he was overwhelmed with the reception accorded him by the amiable Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. According to him, he was amazed with the simplicity and humility of Governor Okorocha. According to Nwankpa, he fell in love with the Imo State Governor as a result of his simplicity and humility. He said he never knew that a Governor could be so humble and simple even as to reschedule his flight just to welcome him. He said the positive impression the people's Governor made on him would remain with him for life.

In the words of Prince Nwankpa: 'I lack words to express the impression His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha made on me when we met him in Government House Owerri recently,' Prince Nwankpa began.

'Could you believe that His Excellency had to reschedule his flight just to receive us? I was overwhelmed by his humility and simplicity. I am simply amazed, even as I am talking to you, it seems to me that what happened that day in Owerri was a sweet dream but low and behold, it was a reality. The impression he made on me would be with me for the rest of my life. He was so humble and full of praise for me for lifting the name of our state and the country high in the international community.

'It was after that meeting that I came to realize that God has special plan for Imo State and that is why Imo people stick out their neck despite the intimidation and harassment from the previous government to elect him as our Governor. I have implicit confidence in his ability to deliver on all his promises because he is somebody who has compassion for the plight of the common man.

'And from what I have seen of His Excellency, in the next couple of years, Imo State is going to be the Mecca of Sports in the country. The present poor state of Imo sports is certainly going to change for the better in no distant time.

'I have no doubt that his blue print in sports is going to transform Imo sports within the shortest possible time,' Nwamkpa enthused.