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The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday inaugurated a newly constructed multipurpose outdoor sports arena in Eziowelle, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.
The project, constructed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, and facilitated by Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe consist of a sports arena, restrooms and a changing-room building.
Speaking during the event, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Idi Abbas, described the project as both timely and impactful, saying it would provide suitable social and sporting facility for youths and by extension, help reduce youth restiveness and other social vices in the community and its environs.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Semiu Adepegba, Chief of Communications and Information Technology expressed confidence that the facility would also improve the quality of life of residents and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the community.
While lauding the initiative as well as funds utilisation, Abbas urged the beneficiaries to protect, maintain and properly utilise the project to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
He said, “I commend the initiative of Rear Admiral I. Manda and Apue for identifying the critical need within the community and utilising the opportunity and funds provided by the Chief of Naval Staff under the Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme to bring lasting relief to the people of Isiwelu Community.
“His vision, dedication and commitment to community development are clearly reflected in the successful execution of this project. Through this noble initiative, he has demonstrated that leadership is more meaningful when it positively impacts the lives of others.
“I also take this opportunity to commend the Government of Anambra State, the Chairman and leadership of the local government area, our revered traditional rulers, community leaders, contractors, project team and all stakeholders whose cooperation and support contributed to the successful completion of this project.
“The collective efforts have once again shown that when institutions and communities work together, sustainable development becomes achievable.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let me assure you that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, remains committed to strengthening civil-military relations and supporting initiatives that promote national development and social cohesion.
“We will continue to partner with communities across the country in ways that foster peace, security and progress. May this project continue to bring light, opportunity and prosperity to this community for many years to come.”
Also speaking, Governor Chukwuma Soludo commended the benefactor for conceiving and delivering the facility for his people, describing it as powerful message across the state that nation-building and community development were not the sole responsibility of government.
Soludo, represented Mr Patrick-Agha Mba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development said the intervention created awareness that development remained a collective responsibility.
“For a distinguished son of the land and a senior officer of the Nigerian Navy to conceive and deliver this facility for his people is highly commendable and worth emulating.
“Sports remain one of the most powerful tools for engaging our youths, discovering talents, promoting healthy living and fostering unity.
“This multipurpose arena, with its restrooms and changing rooms, will provide young people in Ezioyi with a fitting environment to train, compete and dream big.
“As a government, we have always said that 99 percent of the capital is in the hands of individuals, while only one percent is with the government.
“This government cannot achieve much without the people-oriented contributions and active involvement of Ndi Anambra.
“This is why we continue to call on Ndi Anambra, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace the “think home” philosophy. Bring your ideas, bring your resources, pay your taxes here and invest back home. Let us build schools, hospitals, markets and sports facilities together.
“This arena is proof that when you think home, home grows. As the saying goes, charity begins at home. We therefore encourage other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate this gesture and embrace the culture of giving back to society,” he added.
Project facilitator, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe described the commissioning of the sports arena as a bold step towards youth empowerment, healthy recreation and community development in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the event marked another milestone in Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment towards promoting effective civil-military cooperation and enhancing the welfare of communities across the nation.
He said, “The Chief of Naval Staff’s Quick Impact Project was conceived to improve critical infrastructure in communities of senior officers, strengthen the bond between Nigerian Navy and the citizenry, as well as project the Nigerian Navy positively within our society.
“This is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s command philosophy, which is to promote active personnel welfare.
“Our collective belief in the potentials of our young people and our determination to nurture talents, promote unity and strengthen social fabric of Idemili North Local Government Area.”
According to Anekwe, the arena was built in loving memory of his late father, Rear Commander Emmanuel Chukuma Anakwe who lived for three things – the country, the community and for the game.
He further disclosed that the late father, former captain of Nigerian Navy, Nigerian national football team, the Red Devils of Nigeria, from 1956 to 1958, taught them servant leadership and character
“As captain of the Red Devils, he wore the red, white, red, not just on his chest, but in his heart. He taught us that leadership is service, that talent was to be given back, and that the fuel to your character is built. He is no longer here with us in body, but his spirit is here.
“The spirit of discipline, teamwork, love for Nigerian lives. It all lives on. This arena is my way to say thank you, Daddy. Thank you for the values. Thank you for the examples,” he quipped.
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