LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, has called for sustained collaboration from stakeholders to drive sports growth under the state’s new bottom-up development model.
Speaking at a luncheon with philanthropists, sports association chairmen and media practitioners on Saturday, Mba thanked contributors for supporting sports development in the state.
“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 said Governor Chukwuma Soludo is prioritising youth empowerment through sports. He disclosed plans for local governments to take charge of grassroots sports by building facilities and organising sports festivals to discover young talents.
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“This initiative will help create a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for youths while contributing to the state’s economic growth,” Mba added.
He pledged accountability and openness to constructive criticism in pursuing sports excellence.
Stakeholders at the event commended the meeting as a first-of-its-kind in the state. Anambra Football Association Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, said Mba was ready to chart a new course for sports and assured him of stakeholders’ support.
SWAN Anambra Chairman, Chimezie Anaso, urged the commissioner to prioritise athlete welfare and reward systems. He reaffirmed the media’s readiness to support the ministry through effective reportage and constructive criticism.
People who were honored at the luncheon are philanthropists Chief Ikenna Okafor and Chief Chukwudi Oli, APGA Rep candidate Ikem Asika, Southeast SWAN Vice President, and chairmen of various sports associations.
