Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has described the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as a vital partner in advancing sports growth across the state.
Ibezim gave the commendation on Thursday in Awka when he received the leadership of the association during a courtesy visit. He acknowledged the positive role of the sports media in shaping the narrative around sports development despite the sector’s challenges.
He noted that sports journalists had consistently highlighted the gains of the sector through responsible reporting and urged them to extend their coverage to other sporting activities, not just football.
The deputy governor further explained that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is intentional about sports because of its wide-ranging benefits, including fitness, empowerment of young people, community bonding, and enhanced security.
According to him, the government plans to harness the sports industry for economic growth by grooming young athletes and projecting them to the global stage.
“My charge to you is to broaden your reports to give equal prominence to all sports, the same way you do with football,” he appealed.
In his remarks, SWAN Chairman in Anambra, Chimezie Anaso, praised Soludo’s administration for reviving grassroots sports, particularly through the reintroduction of school competitions.
He highlighted that Anambra athletes have continued to make appearances in major national championships and thanked the government for creating opportunities for the state’s young talents.
Anaso also called for the construction of an Olympic-standard stadium to tackle the state’s infrastructure gaps in sports.
“As sports journalists, we appreciate Governor Soludo’s support for young athletes, especially in providing resources for competitions,” he said.
“We assure you of our unwavering partnership with this administration in advancing sports in Anambra.”
“We equally look forward to bestowing on the governor the honorary title of Grand Patron of SWAN in Anambra,” he added.