Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Anambra’s Commissioner for Education, has announced increased supervision of schools to ensure proper use of sports equipment distributed to them.
She confirmed this on Wednesday at the pre-competition festival for the 2025 Anambra Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI) in Awka. The event is for primary and secondary schools.
ANSSI, organised by the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), begins on March 19 at the community level.
It will progress through Local Government and Senatorial Zones, ending with State finals on 27 June.
The Commissioner emphasised that sports are essential for a child’s complete education as they keep the body active. She highlighted the importance of regular physical activity.
Chuma-Udeh said the government had provided sports equipment to schools to develop children’s psychomotor skills. Monitoring will be strengthened to ensure schools use them effectively.
“I welcome you all to one of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s most important initiatives. He is passionate about raising a vibrant citizenry.
“If our children are not well-rounded, society will struggle to progress. I urge you to continue supporting this initiative,” she said.
Patrick-Estate Onyedum, ASSDC Chairman, said the competition includes primary and secondary schools, both public and private. It features U-12, U-14, and U-18 categories.
He noted that over 50,000 students would participate in 11 sporting events. Competitions will be held for both male and female athletes across various disciplines.
Onyedum highlighted Anambra’s growing reputation in sports, saying that the state’s athletes have excelled in national and international competitions, gaining recognition worldwide.
“Our ANSSI athletes are thriving globally, including in the USA, Europe, and Asia. In Nigeria, two of them have full scholarships at a sports academy in Abuja,” he said.
He also praised Anambra’s improved performance at the National Youth Games. The state’s gold medal count has steadily increased since ANSSI’s introduction.
“In 2023, we won seven gold medals. In 2024, we secured nine. To maintain this momentum, we have donated more sports equipment to schools,” he stated.
Onyedum thanked ASSDC’s partners, including the Anambra State Association of Town Unions and the Ministry of Education, for their support in talent development.
Speaking on behalf of the 21 Local Government Chairmen, Romanus Ibekwe confirmed that all councils would participate actively in the competition.
He added that Anaocha, known for its sporting culture, was likely to emerge as one of the top-performing local government areas.
“All council chairmen are committed to this project’s success. We will give it our full support,” Ibekwe assured.
