Anambra State Deputy Governor, H.E Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim has highlighted the importance of sports to health, social and economic development of the nation.
Deputy Governor Ibezim made the remarks on Thursday, 17th August 2023 when executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) South East zone, led by the Vice-President and a veteran sports journalist, Mr Frankie Omokhua paid him a visit at his office at the Government House, Awka.
Dr. Ibezim stated that sports plays a major role in healthy living and has a huge economic value but requires the support of the private sector for its development to enable it thrive. Dr Ibezim averred that the sports sector can not survive without the help of the private sector as individuals, groups and corporate organizations have a role to play for its sustainability and betterment of the society.
The Deputy Governor informed that the government of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo is committed to revamping the sports sector of the state, as the administration has already established a committee from the Anambra State Executive Council that will help to drive a quick improvement of the sector. He acknowledged the contributions of SWAN in the projection and development of the sports sector while assuring Anambra and Southeast arms of the association of the Soludo government’s support.
Earlier in an address, the South East Vice-President of SWAN, Mr. Frankie Omokhua emphasized that the association has played a pivotal role in helping to build the needed expertise among sports writers in the nation. Omokhua informed that one of the key responsibilities of the group is to ensure that development of sports, especially at the grassroots level is given support and media attention in order to discover and harness young and budding talents that will represent the country locally and internationally.
The SWAN South East VP affirmed that the present administration of Professor Chukwuma Soludo has shown capacity, courage and determination in reviving the sports sector of the state, unlike in the past when Anambra that had produced some of the country’s brightest sports stars became irrelevant in the world of sports, even as he disclosed that South East SWAN under his leadership, plans to collaborate with Anambra State Government and other states in the zone to give support to innovations that would help to attain more successes in the sports sector.
In a vote of thanks, SWAN National Financial Secretary, Mrs Ijeoma Peter-Nwante thanked Anambra Deputy Governor for the warm reception accorded them during the visit despite his tight schedule. Mrs Nwante appealed to the Anambra State Government to always support the state’s arm of the association in its programs and activities. She assured of the association continuous role in enhancing sports development and growth through efficient and effective reportage.
Also part of the courtesy call is an ex-officio of the association and a member of the Enugu State Football Association, Foster Chime and Anambra SWAN EXCO members.
By Ikenna Nwokedi
