The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), heartily congratulates the government and people of Imo on the golden jubilee of the state’s creation while celebrating its sporting excellence.
This is contained in a statement signed by the SWAN Secretary in Imo, Mr Tunde Liadi, made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Wednesday.
C- Advocate reports that Imo was created on Feb. 3, 1976 by a former Military President of Nigeria, Murtala Mohammed.
The state, carved from the former East Central state, was first governed by Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, a naval officer.
He was appointed in March 1976 by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and served until 1977 when he was succeeded by Adekunle Lawal.
Liadi noted that the past five decades of the state’s existence have been characterized by enduring contributions to national development through sporting glory.
He recalled that shortly after the creation of the state in 1976, Spartans Football Club was established, mirroring the success model of Enugu Rangers.
He said that the club announced Imo State’s arrival on the national and international stages with a memorable 2–0 victory over Ararat Yerevan of the then USSR in August 1976 at the Township Stadium, Owerri.
According to him, the acquisition of Spartans FC by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, now late , and its transformation into Iwuanyanwu Nationale ushered in a golden era.
“ The club’s heroic comeback against FAR Rabat of Morocco in the 1988 CAF Champions Cup semifinal, overturning a 4–1 first-leg deficit to qualify for the final, remains one of the most iconic moments in African club football history.
“ Though later renamed Heartland FC, the club fondly called the Naze Millionaires, has experienced both decline and revival, including relegation battles and a return to government ownership in 2006. Its resilience reflects the spirit of Imo State itself.
“ The introduction of the Dan Anyiam Cup in 2024 by the Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke, honouring Nigeria’s first national team captain, further reaffirmed Imo’s respect for sporting heritage ” , he said.
He added that the state’s sporting pride reached its zenith in 1996, when Imo born Chioma Ajunwa, etched her name in global history by winning Nigeria’s first ever individual Olympic gold medal in the women’s long jump at the Atlanta Games, a feat that remains a beacon of inspiration for generations of Imo athletes.
He further hailed Imo-born stars such as Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluchi, and others for aiding Nigeria’s landmark 10th WAFCON triumph in 2025 in Morocco.
“ As our dear state clocks 50, the entire SWAN in Imo, led by our Chairman , Cosmos
Chukwuemeka, a CAF accredited sports writer, join the rest of well meaning people to state that sports remain a powerful tool for unity, youth and economic growth in the next phase of the state’s journey.
“ We congratulate the good people of Imo and call for renewed commitment by all stakeholders to preserve the state’s sporting heritage, invest in grassroots development, and ensure that the next 50 years deliver prosperity, peace, and pride for Ndi Imo “, he said.