Eziowelle community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated the inauguration of a newly constructed multipurpose outdoor sports arena by the Nigerian Navy.
The facility, delivered under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, is designed to promote youth development, sports, healthy recreation and stronger community relations.
The project, facilitated by Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe, comprises a multipurpose sports arena, restrooms and changing rooms.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, described the project as a timely intervention that would provide young people with a conducive environment for sports and social engagement.
Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Rear Admiral Semiu Adepegba, said the facility could help reduce youth restiveness and other social vices while contributing to the development of the community.
He urged residents, particularly the youths, to protect and properly maintain the facility to ensure that it serves present and future generations.
The Chief of Naval Staff also commended the officers and stakeholders involved in identifying the community’s needs and delivering the project under the Quick Impact Projects Scheme.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and community development.
Also speaking, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, commended the initiative, describing it as an example of how individuals and institutions can contribute to grassroots development.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Patrick-Agha Mba, said the project demonstrated the importance of community-driven development.
Soludo noted that sports could serve as an effective tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, healthy living and community unity.
He urged other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the gesture and contribute to the development of their communities under the state’s “Think Home” philosophy.
The project facilitator, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe, said the facility represented a significant investment in youth empowerment, recreation and community development.
He explained that the Navy’s Quick Impact Projects were designed to provide critical infrastructure, strengthen relationships between the military and host communities, and promote positive civil-military cooperation.
Anakwe also revealed that the facility was constructed in memory of his late father, Rear Commander Emmanuel Chukuma Anakwe, a former Nigerian Navy officer and footballer who represented and captained Nigeria’s national team, the Red Devils, between 1956 and 1958.
According to him, his late father was guided by the values of service to country, commitment to community and love for football.
Anakwe said the sports arena was his way of preserving his father’s legacy and passing those values of discipline, teamwork and service to another generation.
The inauguration attracted senior military officers, government representatives, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
With the facility now operational, Eziowelle and neighbouring communities are expected to benefit from a new platform for sporting activities, talent development, recreation and youth engagement.
