By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Federal Government has commissioned a multi-purpose outdoor sports arena in Eziowelle, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as part of efforts to promote youth development, recreation and community growth.
The facility features six sporting activities — tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, handball and five-a-side football — as well as a restroom and changing-room block.
The project was executed under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project (CNS-QIP), a nationwide Civil-Military Cooperation initiative designed to support community development and honour distinguished senior naval officers. The Eziowelle project was also undertaken in honour of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe, an indigene of the community.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the commissioning, the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Rear Admiral Semiu Adepegba, said the facility would contribute to reducing youth restiveness and other social vices while improving the quality of life of residents.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha-Mba, described the project as a good example of collaboration among government, private individuals and communities.
Soludo urged residents to embrace the “think home” philosophy by investing in the development of their communities. He also stressed the importance of sports as a means of engaging young people, discovering talents and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe said the sports arena was established to provide opportunities for young people to develop their talents, promote unity and strengthen social ties within Idemili North.
Residents, including Chief Hyacinth Omeludike, commended the Nigerian Navy for the initiative, saying the facility would provide a productive outlet for youths and help uncover emerging sporting talents in the area.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of the Nigerian Army’s 302 Artillery Brigade, Onitsha, and officers of the Nigerian Navy.
