REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Anambra State Chapter, has expressed shock and concern over the scrapping of the Anambra Sports Development Commission and the return of sports administration to the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.
SWAN made the observation in a statement issued on Sunday in reaction to the list of Commissioner nominees forwarded to the Anambra State House of Assembly by Governor Chukwuma Soludo for screening and confirmation.
The statement, signed by the Chapter Chairman, Chimezie Anaso, and Secretary, Uche Ndeke, noted that the association had expected the Commission, established in 2018, to be strengthened rather than scrapped.
SWAN pointed out that there is a National Sports Commission at the federal level, with many states running Sports Development Commissions or Sports Councils. Only very few states still administer sports through a ministry.
The body expressed worry that returning sports to the ministry as a department would likely constrict its growth and development.
However, SWAN expressed confidence in the Commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Aghamba, to drive the sector forward.
The association described Aghamba’s reappointment after serving as Commissioner for Youth Empowerment in Governor Soludo’s first term as an indication that he is the best man for the job.
SWAN called on Governor Soludo to provide adequate political support and funding to restore Anambra to its place of glory in national sports.
The statement emphasised the need to develop sports as entertainment, a profession, a business, and a means of economic prosperity for athletes, investors, and households.
It highlighted the importance of building sports infrastructure, effective grassroots development programmes, school sports, high-performance centres, and capacity building for coaches.
SWAN noted that the transition would not be difficult because the new Commissioner would inherit an existing sports directorate to build upon.
