Eze-elect Vitalis Chikere and sports development in Imo State

By Ifeanyi Mbakogu

At a time when the place of traditional rulers in national development has come under increased scrutiny, the Eze-elect of Odun’Izuoha, Amuzi Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Mr. Vitalis Chikere has reminded us that their roles go far beyond being custodians of culture and tradition. They are also promoters of social harmony, community development, and, increasingly, catalysts for youth engagement.

Eze-elect Chikere, a member of the Imo State Football Council, made this point during a recent visit to the Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, at the Commissioner’s office in Owerri, the state capital.

During the meeting, both the Commissioner and the Eze-elect emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration among stakeholder groups to enhance sports development in the state. Chikere, who also heads Nze Chikere FC—a youth football club—highlighted the significance of such collaboration, remarking: “Our youths need organised pathways to express their talents. With the right partnerships and policies, sports can empower them, redirect their energy positively, and bring honour to Imo State at all levels.”

The Commissioner’s response was equally encouraging. According to reports, he noted: “Imo State is rich in talent. What we need is cooperation, investment, and continuity. We remain open to collaborations that will help us discover, nurture, and promote these talents.” Hon. Onyeocha further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to grassroots sports and to supporting credible community-driven initiatives. This visit, therefore, represents one such initiative.

Ordinarily, visits by traditional rulers to government officials often revolve around a single agenda—either seeking support for a project in their domain or requesting a personal favour. There is nothing wrong with these. Yet any keen observer would admit that Eze-elect Chikere’s visit was novel. Rather than arriving with a begging bowl, he came with a basket of opportunities—armed with an agenda aimed at helping the government tackle the pressing challenge of youth engagement.

The need to keep our youth gainfully engaged cannot be overstated. Sports, in particular, remain a powerful tool for empowerment. Although Nigeria embraced professional football relatively late, the country has since become a global exporter of football talent. Thanks to the pioneering exploits of late Rashidi Yekini, late Stephen Keshi, Taribo West, Victor Ikpeba, Ahmed Musa, Kanu Nwankwo, and many others, Nigerian players now feature in football clubs across all continents.

Beyond football, Nigerians continue to shine in athletics, basketball, tennis, and other sports.

Imo State itself has a rich sporting history. The Heartland Football Club (formerly Iwuanyanwu National), the Grasshoppers Handball Club, and other sporting entities remind us of the state’s contributions to national sports development.

Moreover, the sports value chain is vast and profitable, making it one of the largest industries globally. It spans infrastructure development, marketing, coaching, sports medicine, nutrition, officiating, logistics, and administration. Properly harnessed, this value chain can transform entire communities, turning rural and semi-urban areas into vibrant centres of activity.

This is where the expanded role of traditional rulers becomes crucial. Beyond preserving customs, they can serve as mobilisers, advocates, and influencers for social and developmental initiatives. By championing youth engagement, hosting community tournaments, recognising outstanding talent, and encouraging partnerships, they can catalyse sports development in ways that the government alone cannot.

Imagine effective collaboration among stakeholder groups at all levels—and traditional rulers actively supporting sports promoters through encouragement and recognition. Imo State would not only strengthen its sporting culture but also set a benchmark for redefining the modern relevance of traditional institutions.

If pursued effectively, Eze-elect Chikere’s proposal, could contribute to reducing crime and social vices in rural areas. Reviving school sports—especially football and athletics—must be a priority. Yet the government should not bear the burden alone.

Beyond providing infrastructure (a responsibility best shared with communities), government must insist on regular competitions among schools, autonomous communities, local governments, state constituencies, and senatorial zones. Here again, traditional rulers have a central role: as agents of public enlightenment, community mobilisers, and, working with PGs, enforcers at the grassroots.

It is no coincidence that Chikere hails from the Mbaise clan—the home of Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa, and legendary Green Eagles defender, Chief Patrick Ekeji, who later served as Director-General of the National Sports Commission. Coming from such illustrious sporting roots, Eze-elect Chikere’s initiative deserves to be seen as a springboard for productive youth engagement and rural development. From all indications, Governor Hope Uzodimma can accomplish all these given the open door policy and commitment of his Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha.

Who knows? Such a sustained community-driven approach may well produce the next Chioma Ajunwas, Victor Osimhens, or Ademola Lookmans.