Sports Not just About Playing but Instilling Discipline, Building Character – Philanthropist

By Praise Chinecherem

A philanthropist in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state, Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia Nri Na’ Anaocha) has described sports as not only about playing but about instilling discipline and building character.

Oli stated this while flagging off the construction of a sports stadium at Nri Boys Secondary School, Nri.

He described the project as part of his broader commitment to the growth of Anaocha, particularly in youth empowerment and educational development.

The community leader disclosed plans to renovate classrooms, replace old roofs, and undertake additional infrastructural improvements in the school.

“Sports is not only about playing; it is about instilling discipline and building character.

“The stadium would serve as a platform for both sporting excellence and youth development,” he added.

Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Romanus Ibekwe, represented by his deputy, Barr. Peter Ewenike praised Oli’s contributions, describing him as a philanthropist whose efforts continue to uplift the community.

Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Onyedum commended Oli’s alignment with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s development agenda.

He stressed that the new facility would open up Nri to sporting and economic opportunities.

According to Onyedum, Solution Football Club of Anambra, which competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), would play its home matches at the new stadium upon completion.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman of Anaocha, Chief Anthony Ugoji who led a delegation of party members to the event applauded Oli’s support for the party and his service to the people.

In a related development, about 500 members of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) announced their defection to APGA during the ceremony, citing Oli’s influence and developmental initiatives as key reasons for their decision.

Oli provided cash support to more than 2,000 residents, including women, youths, and the elderly in continuation of his philanthropic gestures.

The occasion also featured familiarization visit by Solution Football Club of Anambra, which conferred on Barr. Oli the status of Patron.

The team also presented him with branded club kits, acknowledging his role in advancing sports development in line with Governor Soludo’s vision.

The Nri sports stadium project is expected to serve as a hub for sporting activities and community engagement in Anaocha, reinforcing Oli’s position as a key stakeholder in the drive for grassroots development in Anambra State.

The event drew a large crowd of residents and indigenes who witnessed the commencement of site clearing by tractors, marking the beginning of what is expected to become one of the leading sports facilities in Anambra State.