Professor Chris Abakare, a renowned expert in sports development, has emphasized the need for the Anambra state government to prioritize the development of sporting facilities and stadiums across the state, Sports247 reports.
This call was made during the 2024 SWAN week in Awka, where Professor Abakare delivered a keynote lecture titled “Sports Development in Anambra state, the Infrastructure question”.
Professor Abakare decried the current state of non-existent sports stadiums and infrastructure in Anambra state, citing the example of the Awka City stadium, which has been converted into a leisure park and fun city despite the outcry from sports stakeholders.
To address this issue, Professor Abakare urged the state government to explore Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the owners of existing stadiums, such as Rojenny stadium, Aguata Township stadium, and Ifeanyi Ubah stadium. This collaboration could help groom young talents and promote sports development in the state.
“It is unfortunate that Anambra state cannot bid and win to host national sporting events,” Professor Abakare said. “The governor should, as a matter of urgency, give more attention to sports development, which will aid in reducing insecurity, an issue that his government has invested heavily in addressing.”
The development of sporting facilities and stadiums in Anambra state is crucial for promoting sports development, youth empowerment, and economic growth. It is hoped that the state government will take Professor Abakare’s call to action seriously and prioritize the development of sporting infrastructure in the state.
