Corporate bodies in Nigeria and good spirited individuals have been called upon to show more interest in sports development especially at grassroots level.
The appeal was made by the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Federal House of Representatives; Godfrey Gaiya while speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the first Nnewi School Sports festival in honour of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu 111 tagged PEACE CUP 2014, held at the Igwe’s place, Nnewi on Saturday.
According to him, investing in the grassroots is the optimal way to channel the cause of comprehensive and effective sports development in Nigeria and also give the children a great sense of good beginning in sports.
Earlier in his speech, the initiator of the school sports festival, member representing Nnewi North/South and Ekwusigo in the Federal House of Representatives, Chris Emeka Azubuogu said he took up the challenge due to his passion for school sports which he believed to be best foundation for sports development.
He described sports as a veritable tool for youth development pointing out that effective youth development is critical to nation building.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Donatus Agu-Ejidike while describing the initiative as a good approach to both youth and sports development assured of his support to ensure the success of the festival which is first of its kind in the area.
He called on other good spirited individuals and corporate bodies in the state to follow the steps of Hon Azubogu and return Anambra state to its pride of place in the calender and ladder of sports in Nigeria.
Agu-Ejidike who was the Special Guest of honour commended the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano in his fight against criminals in the state and appealed to him to extend same umbrella to sports.
The Nigeria Pillar of Sports who is also the president of Karate Federation of Nigeria was represented by Chigozie Chukwuleta, a member of the National Executive committee of SWAN.
Highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the trophy by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu 111.
