The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prioritise the construction of an Olympic-standard stadium in Awka and undertake broad reforms in the state’s sports sector to deepen youth development and empowerment.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the SWAN Chairman, Mr Chimezie Anaso, and Secretary, Mr Uche Ndeke.
SWAN stressed that a modern Olympic-standard stadium would serve as a critical infrastructure for talent development, hosting national and international competitions, and positioning Anambra as a hub for sports excellence.
The association also appealed to the governor to reposition the state’s sports sector and review existing reward systems for athletes, noting that improved incentives would encourage wider youth participation in sports as a viable pathway for empowerment and career development.
While commending Soludo for his investments in sports and the establishment of Solution Football Club, SWAN said more effort was needed to enhance the club’s visibility, acceptability and marketability to attract sponsorships and build a strong fan base.
“SWAN congratulates the governor on his victory in the Nov. 8, 2025 governorship election and urges him to consolidate on the achievements that earned his re-election,” the communiqué stated.
The association further called on the governor to deliver more people-oriented projects, particularly those targeting youth development through sports.
Reiterating its long-standing demand for an Olympic stadium in Awka, SWAN recalled that the originally proposed site had been reduced to a football pitch following the development of the Fun City project, urging the government to revisit and actualise the stadium plan.
SWAN also lauded the recognition accorded to Mr Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and other sports icons from Anambra during the association’s 60th anniversary celebration held in Abuja in October 2025.
The body appealed to the Anambra State Government to organise a reception in honour of the awardees and other sports icons, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the state.
Snakebite: Senate Orders Health Ministry to Enforce Antidote Stocking in Nigerian Hospitals
About The Author
