By Ifeoma Aniagbado
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Patrick Agha Mba hosted sports stakeholders across the state to a thank-you luncheon, where he unveiled plans to reposition sports as a major contributor to the state’s creative economy.
The event, held at the conference hall of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Awka, attracted sports promoters, club owners, chairmen of sports associations, administrators and other key players in the sector.
Addressing the gathering, Agha Mba outlined the ministry’s vision of transforming sports from a largely recreational activity into a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and empowering young people.
He disclosed that the ministry is developing a comprehensive policy framework aimed at taking sports “from the field to the bank, from medals to money and from talent to industry,” in line with the development agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
According to the commissioner, the ministry will work closely with youth and sports departments in the 21 local government areas of the state to strengthen grassroots sports development and create pathways for emerging talents.
As part of the strategy, he said plans are underway to encourage each Local Government Area(LGA) to organize sports festivals to revive sporting activities at the grassroots and identify promising athletes.
Agha Mba noted that the initiative would help build a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of creating opportunities for youths while contributing meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to sports development in Anambra State. Drawing inspiration from Luke 17:19, where one of the ten healed lepers returned to thank Jesus, the commissioner said the gathering was an opportunity to appreciate those whose support, encouragement and belief in Anambra sports had sustained the ministry’s efforts over the years.
He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, urging them to continue supporting the ministry, provide constructive feedback and hold public officials accountable in the collective pursuit of sporting excellence.
Reaffirming his commitment to the sector, Agha Mba pledged to work with all relevant stakeholders to position Anambra State and the South-East region as leading hubs for sports development, talent discovery and sports-driven economic opportunities.
Ifeoma Aniagbado is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
