The Nigerian Navy has completed a multipurpose outdoor sports arena to support youth development, talent discovery and community growth in Eziowelle, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Semiu Adepegba, who is the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, said the project reflected the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to effective civil-military cooperation and the welfare of communities.
He explained that the Chief of Naval Staff’s Quick Impact Project Scheme was designed to provide critical infrastructure, strengthen the relationship between the Navy and citizens and positively project the service within society.
The representative said the multipurpose arena, which provides facilities for football, handball, basketball, volleyball, lawn tennis and badminton, would create opportunities for youths to develop their talents while promoting healthy recreation and community interaction.
The facilitator, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe, said the project was built in loving memory of his late father, a former captain of Nigeria’s national football team, the Red Devils, from 1956 to 1958.
Rear Admiral Anakwue noted that his father lived for the country, community and sports, adding that the facility was his way of preserving his father’s values of discipline, teamwork, service and giving back to society.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba described the facility as a strong demonstration of public-private-community partnership and urged Ndi Anambra at home and abroad to support government through investments and other development initiatives.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his efforts through the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying government could not achieve sustainable development alone and called on individuals and organisations to embrace the “think home” philosophy by bringing their ideas and resources back to Anambra.
