Anambra Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor says Governor Chukwuma Soludo recognise the benefits of sports
and the importance of infrastructure that help discover talents.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Mefor while speaking during the 2024 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week in Awka on Friday stated that Anambra government will construct an Olympic size Stadium in the state, to improve sports facilities and promote grassroots sports development.
The Commissioner urged SWAN to support the government in developing sports in the state and evoke the interest of youths in sports activities, toward tackling youth restiveness and other vices.
“The state government is investing hugely in sports infrastructure because we recognise the benefits of sports and contributions of Anambra indigenes in sports.
“Sports is not only about football, there are about 19 sporting activities and Anambra has a comparative advantage in about 10 sports.
“This is because a typical Anambra man or woman is physically and mentally fit and strong to get involved in sports and should be positioned to participate in state, regional and national sports activities.
“The state government will construct an olympic size stadium in Anambra soon because sports is not just for fun, it is a serious economic activity that have made many athletes millionaires,” he said.
In his lecture, Prof. Chris Abakare of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a guest lecturer, decried the dilapidated and inadequate sports facilities in the state.
Abakare described the situation as a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the state government.
He described sports as a unifying factor and also an effective stimulus for economic development in the country and across the globe.
The guest lecturer appealed to the three tiers of government to collaborate with the private sector to improve sports facilities in the state and the country.
He said that the measure would enable government to discover more good athletes for the state and the nation.
Former Lagos State SWAN Chairman
Tony Nezianya in his remark appealed to the state government to construction standard stadium in each of the three Senatorial districts to drive sports development in the state.
” The Godwin Achebe stadium amongst in Onitsha is crying for attention. The government of Anambra state should look inwards and pay more attention is sports by partnering with stakeholders in reviving grassroot sports.
Also, Godwin Aghaulor, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, urged youths to get involved in sports to eliminate idleness and crime in the state.
Earlier, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman, SWAN, Anambra chapter, said the yearly event was to take stock of sporting activities in the state, chart the way forward and recognise stakeholders who have contributed positively in the sector.
The event featured awards to recognise individuals and groups who have been contributing to the development of sports in the state.
The awardees are; the MD of ACTDA, Mr. Osita Onuko, Coach Johnny Igboka, Wilson FC Academy, Chairman Anambra Sports Commission, Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum and Chairman Anambra State Beech Soccer Association, Prof. Victor Maduboku.
The SWAN week had the theme “Sports Development in Anambra: The Infrastructure Question”.
