We're working to revive grassroots sports – Gov. Ugwuanyi …he's a 'labour-friendly' leader, says workers

By The Citizen

The Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, says his administration is committed to identifying budding sporting talents at the grassroots to boost sports development in the state.

Governor Ugwuanyi spoke at the kick-off of a novelty football match between his commissioners and permanent secretaries held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The match was one of several activities marking the 2016 Civil Service Week.

The governor represented by his deputy, Chief Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, explained that the immense attention his administration has so far given to sports development is evident in the recent crowning of Rangers International of Enugu as champions of the Nigerian Premier Football League, after 32 years.

He also thanked workers in the state for their dedication to duty, calling them the “engine room of the government”. The workers described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a “labour-friendly leader with a passion and zeal to transform the state”.

The state’s Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema, commended the governor for “identifying with workers” and reiterated their willingness to complement the government’s efforts with regard to sports development.

In a similar vein, the secretary to the state government, Elder Gabriel Ajah, praised the Ugwuanyi administration for enhancing workers’ welfare through the prompt and regular payment of salaries, construction of houses for junior workers and regular training.

On her part, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs. Eucharia Uche Offor, described the novelty match as an opportunity to exercise and keep fit.

The match later ended 4 — 1 in favour of the commissioners.

There was also a cultural competition at the state secretariat as part of activities marking the Civil Service Week.