The Enugu State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, has extended a firm commitment to collaborate with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State Chapter, in revitalizing sports within the state.
This assurance came during a meeting on Friday when the Commissioner received the SWAN executives in his office.
Commissioner Ekweremadu emphasized the dedication of Governor Peter Mba’s administration to reinvigorate the sports sector in Enugu. He expressed gratitude for SWAN’s visit and conveyed the state’s intention to involve the association in its sports programs. He outlined the ministry’s purposeful and intentional approach to promoting sports throughout the state.
“We are not just identifying problems, but also discussing solutions. We will organize a Sports Summit to develop an actionable plan for advancing sports in the state,” stated Commissioner Ekweremadu.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to promoting school sports, a program set to be reinstated in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Ekweremadu and his team have been conducting site visits to various government sports facilities to assess their current status.
“The Ministry is focused on visiting sports facilities across the state. Ultimately, we will collaborate with private stakeholders to contribute to the state’s GDP,” he added, stressing that the ministry’s role extends beyond football and includes support for various sports.
During the meeting, Gideon Iwueke, the Chairman of SWAN in Enugu State, highlighted the association’s role as a bridge between the ministry and the public. He emphasized SWAN’s presence at sports events, where they set agendas, educate, inform, and advocate for the government and sports stakeholders.
Iwueke also urged Commissioner Ekweremadu to assist the association in terms of mobilization and resources. He stressed the need for SWAN to have a dedicated office and transportation to cover Enugu State games and report on events independently.
“We are delighted to have a youthful Commissioner who shares our vision for diversified sports coverage in the state, moving beyond just football and highlighting all sports,” concluded Iwueke.
The collaborative efforts between the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and SWAN are poised to usher in a new era of sports promotion and coverage in the state, benefiting athletes, enthusiasts, and the general public alike.
