….But Aghamba Gets Vote Of Confidence
By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter, has expressed shock over the dissolution of the Anambra Sports Development Commission and the return of sports administration to the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.
In a statement issued Sunday, SWAN reacted to the list of Commissioner nominees sent by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. The statement, signed by Chairman Chimezie Anaso and Secretary Uche Ndeke, noted that the association had expected the Commission, established in 2018, to be strengthened rather than scrapped.
“This is unexpected because it is coming at a time when sports has grown into a full-fledged sector, with the Federal Government and most states running it as an industry,” the statement read. “That is why there is a National Sports Commission at the federal level and Sports Development Commissions or Sports Councils in many states. Very few still administer sports through the ministry.”
SWAN warned that administering sports as a department within the ministry could “constrict growth and development” of the sector.
Despite its concerns, the association expressed confidence in Patrick Aghamba, the Commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, to elevate the sector. Aghamba served as Commissioner for Youth Empowerment in Soludo’s first term and now takes on sports administration as an additional portfolio.
“The reappointment of Aghamba, with the additional responsibility of sports, means he is the best man for the job,” SWAN said.
The body urged Governor Soludo to provide adequate political support and funding to restore Anambra’s standing in national sports.
“Having expressed our concerns, what is paramount is the development of sports as entertainment, profession, business and a means of economic prosperity for society, athletes, investors and households,” the statement added. “What is important now is providing the right environment, building sports infrastructure, effective grassroots development programmes, school sports, high performance centres and capacity building for coaches.”
SWAN noted that the transition should not be difficult as the Commissioner will inherit an existing sports directorate to build on.
“As sports press and partners in progress, SWAN is ready as always to work with the ministry in promoting the policies and programmes of the Soludo administration’s agenda for sports,” the association stated.
