By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, over the weekend promised to build an Olympic-size Stadium to promote grassroots sports development in the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, during the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter Week held in Awka.

Mefor, who represented Soludo at the event said the stadium when erected will help to improve on the sports facilities available.

According to the governor, his administration recognises the importance of infrastructure in sports development.

He said: “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.”

The Governor further urged the Sports Writers to support the state government in developing sports in the state and evoke the interest of youths in sports activities, towards tackling youth restiveness and other vices.

Delivering a lecture at the event, a guest lecturer, Prof. Chris Abakare of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, decried the dilapidated and inadequate sports facilities in the state.

He cited the situation as a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the state government, saying: “Sports is 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 appealed to the three tiers of government to collaborate with the private sector to improve sports facilities in the state and the country, noting that the measure would enable government to discover more good athletes for the state and the nation.

On his part, the Public Relation Officer (PRO), Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tony Nezianya, urged the state government to construct standard stadium in each of the three Senatorial districts to drive sports development in the state.

Also, the Assistant Inspector General, (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo in Dunukofia Council Area of Anambra State, Godwin Aghaulor called on the youths to get involved in sports to eliminate idleness and crime in the state.

Earlier in his speech, the SWAN Chairman in the state, Chimezie Anaso, said that the yearly event was aimed at taking stock of sporting activities in the state, chart the way forward and recognise stakeholders who have contributed positively in the sector.

The SWAN week with the theme, “Sports Development in Anambra: The Infrastructure Question” featured awards in recognition of individuals and groups who have contributed to the development of sports in the state.