Patrick-Agha Mba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Anambra, has called for continued collaboration and support for the ministry, which he said was crucial to the realisation of the objectives of the state government in the sector.

He appreciated stakeholders in the sports sector for their contributions to the development of sports in the state.

Mr Mba stated this on Saturday in Awka during a luncheon with philanthropists, chairmen of sports associations, and the media who had supported the growth and development of sports in the state.

He called for continued collaboration and support for the ministry, which he said was crucial to the realisation of the objectives of the state government in the sector under the new bottom-up development approach.

Mr Mba said he would be accountable and open to constructive criticism in the collective pursuit of sports excellence.

“This is just to thank you for all that you have been doing towards the development of sports in Anambra over the years,

“On behalf of the Anambra government, I want to thank you and ask for your continued collaboration and support.

“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.

Mr Mba said Governor Chukwuma Soludo was intentional about youth empowerment, adding that plans were underway to make local government councils take charge of sports at the grassroots by building facilities and organising sports festivals as a platform for discovering young talents.

“This initiative will help create a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for youths while contributing to the state’s economic growth,” he said.

In their separate reactions, the stakeholders commended Mr Mba for convening the meeting, which was one of its kind in the state.

Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, said the commissioner had demonstrated that he was ready to chart a new course for sports in the state.

Mr Iloenyosi said sports development was a shared responsibility and assured him of stakeholders’ support.

Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter, urged the commissioner to take the reward of athletes seriously in order to get the best out of them.

He reiterated the media’s readiness to support the ministry to achieve its objectives through effective reportage and constructive criticism.

Some of the stakeholders celebrated at the luncheon were Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze), Chukwudi Oli, APGA Reps candidate Ikem Asika, South-East Vice President of SWAN, and chairmen of sports associations, among others. 

(NAN)