Navy Inaugurates Sports Arena To Tackle Youth Restiveness, Build Talent In Anambra
The Nigerian Navy says the construction of sports facilities will provide suitable social and sporting opportunities for youths, while helping to reduce youth restiveness and their involvement in social vices.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Idi Abbas, stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of a multipurpose outdoor sports arena in Eziowelle, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Semiu Adepegba, Chief of Communications and Information Technology, said the project was constructed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
The sports arena covers six sporting activities – tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, handball and five-a-side football as well as restrooms and changing rooms.
Abbas said the Nigerian Navy recognised that the security and prosperity of the nation were strengthened when communities were empowered through meaningful development.
“The scheme seeks to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people they serve.
“The project will provide a suitable social and sporting facility for youths to further reduce the occurrences of youth restiveness and their involvement in social vices in the community and its environs.
“Also, it will improve the quality of life of residents and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of the community.
“I therefore urge the beneficiaries to protect and maintain this project to ensure its sustainability for future generations,” he said.
The CNS commended the project facilitator, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe, for identifying the critical need in his community and utilising the funds provided to bring lasting relief to the people of Eziowelle.
He also appreciated the Anambra Government, the Chairman and leadership of Idemili North Local Government Area for their support toward the successful completion of the project.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote national development and social cohesion,” Abbas said.
Also speaking, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo expressed excitement that the state’s think-home and public-private partnership policies were yielding positive results.
Soludo, represented by Mr Patrick-Agha Mba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said sports remained a vital tool for engaging youths, discovering talents and promoting healthy living.
“Community governance and development cannot be achieved by government alone. It is a collective effort.
“I commend the CNS and facilitator of this project, Rear Adm. Anakwe, for this sports facility and I urge well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies and groups to emulate this gesture to drive development in our communities,” he said.
Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe, who facilitated the project said the sports arena was established for youth empowerment, healthy recreation and community development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Anakwe said the project reflected the collective belief in the potential of young people and the determination to nurture talents, promote unity and strengthen the social fabric of Idemili North.
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“If just one child from this community finds their footing here, plays the best football, volleyball, lawn tennis or handball and scores their first goal here, then this project will have fulfilled its purpose,” he said.
Igwe Michael Okonkwo, the Traditional Ruler of Eziowelle, thanked the Nigerian Navy and Anakwe for bringing the project to the community.
Okonkwo described it as a significant contribution to the development and welfare of the people.
