Dana Air and Heartland FC of Owerri have signed an agreement in which the former will brand the shirtsleeve of latter during the 2018 football season.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Owerri, the airline’s chief operating officer, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo said the season-long sponsorship deal is part of Dana Air’s support of youth and sports development in the state as well as a demonstration of the fruitful relationship it has had with Imo State government.
Mbanuzuo who described football as a “big business” said the game “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 a need to look inward 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.
“In coming up with this sponsorship, we 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 Imolites proud. We believe that our sponsorship will bring the much-needed boost, convenience and motivation to go for the league title this season.’’
In the sponsorship package, Mbanuzuo said 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.
For his part, the commissioner for sports, Dr. Martins Ohiri expressed appreciation to the airline for the initiative.
“I am happy that this is happening in Imo state and during my time as sports commissioner. I also want to thank Dana Air for this partnership and for taking the lead,” he added.
Also speaking, the chairman of Heartland Football Club, Mr. Goodfaith Etuemena praised the airline 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,” he said.
It would be recalled that 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 the indigenes.
