The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha-Mba has called for continued collaboration and support from stakeholders.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Agha-Mba also commended philanthropists, chairmen of sports associations and the media for their contributions to development of sports in the state.
Mba made the commendation during a Thank You Luncheon meeting with stakeholders who have supported the sector before he assumed office as Commissioner in the enlarged ministry.
The Commissioner noted that the
continued collaboration and support for the ministry was crucial to the realisation of the objectives of the state government on the sector under the new bottom-up development approach.
Mba said he would be accountable and open to constructive criticism in the collective pursuit of sports excellence.
“This is just to thank you for all that you have been doing towards the development of sports in Anambra over the years,
“On behalf of the Anambra government, I want to thank you and ask for your continued collaboration and support.
“We are ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to position Anambra and the Southeast region as a leading hub for sports development, talent discovery, and economic opportunities through sports,” he said.
The Commissioner maintained that
Governor Chukwuma Soludo was intentional about youth empowerment and that plans were underway to make Local Government Councils to take charge of sports at the grassroots by building facilities and staging sports festivals as a platform for discovering young talents.
“This initiative will help create a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for youths while contributing to the state’s economic growth.,” he said.
Some of the stakeholders celebrated at the luncheon were Chukwuma Ezeamama, Chairman, Solution FC, Ossy Onuko, MD, ACTDA. Chukwudi Oli, APGA Reps Candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha, Emeka Macdonald, CEO of Cardinal Hotel and Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).
Healthy living with Nonye Soludo, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Athletics Association, Chuma Anosike, Chairman, Anambra State Cricket Association and Chief Joseph Odebeatu, Chairman, Anambra State Aquatics Association
Philo Egbunigwe, Chairman, Anambra State Volleyball Association, Jacob Martins Obiora, Chairman, Anambra State Taekwondo Association, Ndibe Chux, Chairman, Anambra State Scrabble Association, Mokwuo Michael, Chairman, Anambra State Chess Association, Ewenike Paschal – Chairman, Anambra State Weightlifting Association.
Echezona Ezeibe, Chairman, Anambra State Kickboxing Association, Ifeakandu Chigbo Obiudo – Chairman, Anambra State Mixed Martial Arts Association, Emeka Nwabueze, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Sports Association, Lawrence Ezeudu Chairman, Anambra State Judo Association.
Celestine Anere, Chairman, Anambra State Boxing Association, Uchenna Animoke, Chairman, Anambra State Wrestling Association, Ojukwu Obakasi, Chairman, Anambra State Golf Association, Paul Ileka, Chairman, Anambra State Badminton Association and Ikechukwu Okafor, Chairman, Anambra State Handball Association.
Uduh Kingsley, Chairman, Anambra State Tennis Association, Jonathan Chuka Ifeama – Vice chairman, Anambra State Aquatics Association and Anthony Nwora, Chairman, Anambra State Basketball Association.
Ikenna Francis Okafor, Chairman, Anambra State Table Tennis Association, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Anambra, Ikem Asika, Southeast Vice President of SWAN, Emeka Okonkwo, MD/ CEO ARTMA and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman Anambra Football Association.
