By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Anambra State, Mr. Patrick-Agha Mba has called for continued collaboration and support for the Sports ministry in the state.

Making the call during a Luncheon meeting in Awka with stakeholders, Mba described the collaboration as crucial for the realisation of the objectives of the state government on the sector under the new bottom-up development.

He hailed philanthropists, chairmen of sports associations and the media for their contributions to development of sports sector in the state before he assumed office as Commissioner in the enlarged ministry.

He said: "I 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.”

The commissioner who noted that the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, was intentional about youth empowerment said that plans were underway to make Local Government Councils take charge of sports at the grassroots.

According to him, that would be done by building facilities and staging sports festivals as a platform for discovering young talents.

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

Some of the stakeholders celebrated at the luncheon were Chukwuma Ezeamama, Chairman, Solution FC, Ossy Onuko, MD, ACTDA. Chukwudi Oli, APGA Reps Candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha, Emeka Macdonald, CEO of Cardinal Hotel and Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).

Others include, Healthy living with Nonye Soludo, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Athletics Association, Chuma Anosike, Chairman, Anambra State Cricket Association and Chief Joseph Odebeatu, Chairman, Anambra State Aquatics Association

Philo Egbunigwe, Chairman, Anambra State Volleyball Association, Jacob Martins Obiora, Chairman, Anambra State Taekwondo Association, Ndibe Chux, Chairman, Anambra State Scrabble Association, Mokwuo Michael, Chairman, Anambra State Chess Association, Ewenike Paschal – Chairman, Anambra State Weightlifting Association.

Echezona Ezeibe, Chairman, Anambra State Kickboxing Association, Ifeakandu Chigbo Obiudo – Chairman, Anambra State Mixed Martial Arts Association, Emeka Nwabueze, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Sports Association, Lawrence Ezeudu Chairman, Anambra State Judo Association.

Celestine Anere, Chairman, Anambra State Boxing Association, Uchenna Animoke, Chairman, Anambra State Wrestling Association, Ojukwu Obakasi, Chairman, Anambra State Golf Association, Paul Ileka, Chairman, Anambra State Badminton Association and Ikechukwu Okafor, Chairman, Anambra State Handball Association.

Uduh Kingsley, Chairman, Anambra State Tennis Association, Jonathan Chuka Ifeama – Vice chairman, Anambra State Aquatics Association and Anthony Nwora, Chairman, Anambra State Basketball Association.

Ikenna Francis Okafor, Chairman, Anambra State Table Tennis Association, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, in Anambra, Ikem Asika, Southeast Vice President of SWAN and Emeka Okonkwo, MD/ CEO ARTMA.