Special Adviser to the Imo state Governor, Steve Asimobi (left); Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo and Heartland FC Chairman, Goodfaith Etuemena, during the signing of Dana Air’s sponsorship deal with Heartland FC recently.
Dana Air and Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State, have signed a sponsorship deal covering activities of the club for the 2018 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The sponsorship includes air travel of the football team to some of its away matches and cash prizes to most valuable player of the month. In return, the team will bear the logo of the airline on the jersey sleeves.
The partnership is part of the existing deal between the Imo State government and Dana Air in the operation of Imo Air.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Owerri recently, Accountable Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo, said football is big business and has become one of the most unifying factors in the world.
“At Dana Air, we are committed to supporting our own. We are also committed to youth and sports development in Imo State and in Nigeria at large. There is need to look inwards, so we can build our league and the teams to make them more attractive and glamorous. We have taken the lead and we hope that other corporate bodies will follow,” Mbanuzuo said.
He further explained that in coming up with this sponsorship, the airline looked at how the team performed last season, their promotion to the upper division and determination, and felt the need to encourage their fighting spirit and desire to make Imo indigenes proud.
“We believe that our sponsorship will bring the much-needed boost, convenience and motivation to go for the league title this season. Under this under this sponsorship package, the player of the month will get a cash gift as part of efforts to motivate the players to do better, keep fit, and continuously improve themselves to get the prize.”
Imo State Commissioner for sports, Dr. Martins Ohiri, expressed delight that the partnership is happening in Imo State during his time. Ohiri thanked Governor Rochas Okorocha for his foresight and Dana Air for taking the lead.
Elated Chairman of Heartland Football Club, Goodfaith Etuemena, praised the vision of Dana Air, the operators of Imo Air and assured the airline of commensurate mileage on the sponsorship.
“I’m glad that my search for sponsors is finally paying dividends. Hopefully, this partnership would attract more. Heartland is a big brand and we promise to repay the confidence that your company has bestowed on our legendary club.’’
In 2017, Dana Air entered into an airline partnership with the Imo state government to boost tourism potential in the state, encourage business and leisure trips and create employment opportunities for its indigenes.
