Ukaejiofo Moves To Collaborate With Anambra Gov’t To Reposition Athletics
Chimnanu Ukaejiofo, former Nigerian triple jump champion says governments and administrators must put players and athletes policies for the country to salvage its dwindling fortunes.
Ukaejiofo said this when he met Patrick-Agha Mba, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in his office Monday.
The United States based medical doctor and sports administrator said there was a need for consistency and regular updates of sports development programmes in order to maintain a sustained progress in individual and team performance.
The former national school sports and national sports festival champion said sports gave him opportunity in life and that he was ready to work with the Anambra government to set up system that would be
“Sports is life, sports is why most of us are where we are today, though it was challenging and it is unfortunate that not much has changed.
“We have to put athletes at the centre of our policies and programmes because we are their servants, we exist because they are.
“Anambra dominated sports in the 80’s and 90’s before other states started poaching athletes due to the poor reward system, we have to give them good value for being the best among their peers.
“I am here to see what we can do to change things for the better, do the right things and move the system in the right direction,” he said.
In his response, Mba commended Ukaejiofo for deeming it right to reconnect with his roots and explore ways he could give back to sports which gave you the opportunity.
Mba said the state was operating a system where the local government councils would play a pivotal role in the administration of sports at the community level to guarantee a sustainable and functional sports department.
“I am pleased that you know the game, you have the idea and the resources to drive it, we are open to this type of partnership, it is in line with the public-private partnership mantra of this administration.
“As a government, we will provide you with the enabling environmen
Ikejiofor, ex national high jumper says athletes, players should enjoy priority attention
Welfare
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Aug. 17, 2026(NAN) Chimnanu Ikejiofor, former Nigerian triple jump champion says governments and administrators must put players and athletes policies for the country to salvage its dwindling fortunes.
Ikejiofor said this when he met Patrick-Agha Mba, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in his office Monday.
The United States based medical doctor and sports administrator said there was a need for consistency and regular updates of sports development programmes in order to maintain a sustained progress in individual and team performance.
The former national school sports and national sports festival champion said sports gave him opportunity in life and that he was ready to work with the Anambra government to set up system that would be
“Sports is life, sports is why most of us are where we are today, though it was challenging and it is unfortunate that not much has changed.
“We have to put athletes at the centre of our policies and programmes because we are their servants, we exist because they are.
“Anambra dominated sports in the 80’s and 90’s before other states started poaching athletes due to the poor reward system, we have to give them good value for being the best among their peers.
“I am here to see what we can do to change things for the better, do the right things and move the system in the right direction,” he said.
In his response, Mba commended Ikejiofor for deeming it right to reconnect with his roots and explore ways he could give back to sports which gave you the opportunity.
Mba said the state was operating a system where the local government councils would play a pivotal role in the administration of sports at the community level to guarantee a sustainable and functional sports department.
“I am pleased that you know the game, you have the idea and the resources to drive it, we are open to this type of partnership, it is in line with the public-private partnership mantra of this administration.
“As a government, we will provide you with the enabling environment to succeed,” he said.
