Agha Mba Applauds SWAN as Awka All Stars FC Clinches Maiden SWAN Sports Week Trophy

By Ikemefuna Asika

The maiden Sports Week organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, has ended on a high note, with Awka All Stars FC emerging champions of the football competition.

The two-day sporting fiesta brought together sports writers, football enthusiasts and security personnel in a convivial atmosphere aimed at promoting camaraderie, healthy competition and the development of sports in Anambra State.

Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, commended SWAN Anambra for organising the event, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to sports development and social engagement in the state.

In his goodwill message, Agha Mba said the Sports Week demonstrated the ability of sports to unite people across professional and institutional boundaries, while also creating opportunities for interaction among sports stakeholders, security agencies and members of the public.

He said the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was committed to repositioning sports in Anambra State beyond entertainment, transforming it into a viable industry capable of creating employment, empowering young people and contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.

According to him, “The Anambra State Government under Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is working towards moving sports from the realm of entertainment to a thriving industry and a strong component of economic empowerment for our youths.”

The Commissioner also praised SWAN for its continued contribution to the promotion and development of sports in the state, assuring the association of the ministry’s continued support.

He added that his ministry would continue to give SWAN the necessary attention and encouragement required for the association to function effectively and contribute more to the growth of sports in Anambra.

At the end of the football competition, Awka All Stars FC emerged winners, with the Nigeria Police finishing as runners-up, while the SWAN team settled for third place.

The competition also featured individual contests in Whot, draughts and Ludo, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their skills beyond the football pitch.

In the Whot competition, SWAN Anambra Chairman, Patrick Chimezie Anaso, defeated the other contestants to emerge champion.

Chuckwuka Ugokwe claimed the overall prize in the draughts competition, while Chigozie Chukwulota emerged the best player in the Ludo contest.

Speaking after the event, SWAN Anambra Chairman, Patrick Chimezie Anaso, expressed appreciation to all participants, members of the association and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the two-day programme.

Anaso pledged that SWAN Anambra would continue to champion initiatives capable of promoting sports and contributing to the overall development of the sector in the state.

He said, “We appreciate everyone who participated in this maiden edition of the SWAN Sports Week. This is only the beginning. We will continue to use our platform to promote sports and contribute to its growth in Anambra State.”

Chairman of Awka All Stars FC, Ikechukwu Nwekwe, also commended SWAN Anambra for introducing the Sports Week, describing it as a welcome initiative capable of strengthening relationships among sports stakeholders.

Nwekwe pledged the readiness of Awka All Stars FC to partner with SWAN in promoting sports development and creating more opportunities for sporting activities across Anambra State.

In his remarks, SWAN Vice President, South-East Zone, Ikemefuna Asika, congratulated the Anambra chapter for successfully organising the maiden edition of the Sports Week.

Asika urged the chapter to sustain the initiative and continue to explore innovative ways of using sports journalism and sporting activities to support the growth of sports in Anambra.

He stressed the need for SWAN to remain at the forefront of initiatives that promote grassroots sports, encourage young talent and strengthen collaboration among sports stakeholders.

The successful conclusion of the maiden SWAN Sports Week marks another step in efforts to use sports not only as a source of entertainment, but also as a tool for unity, youth empowerment, community engagement and economic development in Anambra State.

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