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Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has pledged to construct an Olympic-standard stadium, a move he says will elevate sports infrastructure and nurture local talent.
With the announcement, the governor aims to position Anambra as a hub for grassroots sports development, fostering opportunities for young athletes to shine on a national and global stage.
During the 2024 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, disclosed plans to build an Olympic-standard stadium. The announcement came as part of efforts to reinforce Anambra’s commitment to grassroots sports.
The SWAN week had the theme – “Sports Development in Anambra: The Infrastructure Question”.
Governor Soludo highlighted the critical link between infrastructure and sports development, stressing that his administration remains focused on laying the groundwork for a thriving sports culture in Anambra.
“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 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
Governor Soludo called on SWAN to take an active role in supporting the state government’s sports initiatives. He highlighted the potential for sports to captivate the youth, offering them a productive outlet and addressing critical challenges like youth restiveness.
Professor Chris Abakare, a guest lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, used his platform to express concern over the dilapidated sports facilities in Anambra. He underscored how the lack of proper infrastructure stifles potential and limits the state’s ability to nurture athletic talent.
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.
“I say this because of the good role sports play in the lives of our people and also globally,” he said.
Read also: Anambra Crime Wave Reaches Soludo’s Doorstep
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.
Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Olympic Committee, urged the state government to construction standard stadium in each of the three Senatorial districts to drive sports development in the state.
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.
