About the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development

The statutory organ of government responsible for sports development, youth empowerment, talent identification, and sports infrastructure development across Imo State, ensuring comprehensive sports programs and youth leadership training.

Imo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development – Overview

Welcome to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Imo State – the heartbeat of youth empowerment and sporting excellence in our dear state. Guided by the vision of building a vibrant, talented, and globally competitive generation, we are committed to creating opportunities that inspire our young people to reach their full potential.

Through strategic programs, modern sports infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships, we strive to nurture talent, promote healthy lifestyles, and unite communities through the power of sports. Our comprehensive mandate encompasses talent identification, grassroots development, sports infrastructure management, and youth empowerment initiatives across Imo State.

Under the leadership of Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, the ministry is committed to implementing Governor Hope Uzodinma's vision for sports development and youth empowerment that builds champions both on and off the field, fostering a generation celebrated for sporting prowess, leadership, and community vitality.

Our Guiding Principles

Our Vision

To build a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing generation of youth, celebrated for sporting prowess, leadership, and community vitality.

Our Mission

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development is geared towards ensuring the development of sports and fostering sporting activities in the state, while empowering youth through strategic programs and modern infrastructure.

Our Core Mandates:

Talent identification & grassroots development: Engaging local government areas (LGAs) across the state to identify young sporting talents
Supporting women and youth football: Oversight for Heartland Queens FC and support for their welfare and performance development
Promotion of mini-football: Integration of mini-football into state sports programs
Collaboration with SWAN: Working with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria to boost media coverage and youth talent projection
Sports infrastructure development and facility management
Youth empowerment programs, entrepreneurship, and leadership training

Our Core Values

Fair Play

Social Justice

Equality

Self-Reliance

Discipline

Excellence

Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha

Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development

Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Imo State under the administration of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma. A passionate advocate for youth empowerment and sports development, Hon. Onyeocha brings extensive experience in sports administration and youth development to his role.

Under his leadership, the ministry has intensified efforts in talent identification, grassroots sports development, and youth empowerment programs. His vision aligns with building a dynamic generation of youth celebrated for sporting excellence and leadership, fostering community development through sports and creating pathways for young people to reach their full potential.

Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha – Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development

Our Core Services

Sports Development

Designs and implements sports policies, manages state teams and competitions (e.g., National Sports Festival), and promotes grassroots sports development across Imo State.

Youth Development

Engages youth in empowerment programs, entrepreneurship, and leadership training. Coordinates NYSC affairs and youth-focused initiatives across the state.

Talent Hunt & Empowerment

Identifies young talents in sports and supports them with training, exposure, and mentorship programs to develop their potential.

Sports Infrastructure

Oversees the construction, renovation, and maintenance of stadiums and sports complexes across Imo State.

Media & Outreach

Manages the ministry's public communication, coordinates with SWAN, and promotes sporting events and youth empowerment initiatives.

Our Strategic Goals

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development is committed to transforming sports development and youth empowerment in Imo State through world-class infrastructure, talent nurturing, and comprehensive sports programs.

Complete construction of ultra-modern indoor sports hall/gym complex worth ₦200M in Owerri.

Establish Imo State Sports Academy for systematic talent identification and development.

Construct Olympic-standard swimming pool and upgrade Dan Anyiam Stadium facilities.

Build 30,000-capacity modern stadium in Owerri and 10,000-capacity zonal stadium in Orlu.

Identify and develop over 1,000 young talents across 17 sports disciplines annually.

Renovate and equip existing sports facilities including Grasshoppers International Handball Stadium.

Implement comprehensive youth empowerment programs reaching 5,000 beneficiaries yearly.

Establish partnerships with international sports organizations for coaching upgrades.

Create modern hostel complex worth ₦200M for athletes and sports personnel.

Develop grassroots sports programs in all 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Our Leadership Team

Meet the dedicated leaders driving sports development, youth empowerment, and talent identification in Imo State.

Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha

Honourable Commissioner

Utazi Dorothy Chimezie Ph.D

Permanent Secretary

Our Structure

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development operates through a well-defined hierarchical structure designed to effectively manage sports development, youth empowerment, and talent identification across Imo State. Our organizational setup ensures efficient service delivery, policy implementation, and coordination with relevant stakeholders in the sports and youth development sector.

Ministry of Sports and Youth Development - Organizational Structure