Anambra Sports Commission Chairman Shuns SWAN Week Lecture for Third Time
Barely two weeks after Anambra State failed to participate in the 2nd National Council on Sports Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, the Patrick Estate Onyedum–led Anambra State Sports Development Commission was again conspicuously absent at the just-concluded 2025 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week Lecture and Recognition Night.
SWAN Week is an annual event that brings together stakeholders in the sports sector to review activities in the outgoing year and to honour deserving individuals and friends of sports.
The 2025 edition, organised by the Anambra State Chapter of SWAN, culminated in a two-day programme that began with a medical outreach for journalists, during which no fewer than 50 beneficiaries received free medical services.
Investigations revealed that the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission was officially invited as a Special Guest and Keynote Speaker. He was expected to brief the public on developments in the state’s sports sector over the past year, particularly under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
However, records show that the Chairman neither attended the event nor sent any representative. Notably, this marks the third consecutive time he has failed to attend the SWAN Week programme since assuming office in 2022. The annual gathering traditionally brings together sports journalists, administrators, and other key stakeholders in the sports family.
His absence did not go unnoticed. In fact, his predecessor, Chief Tony Oli, while speaking after receiving an award, openly expressed displeasure over Onyedum’s non-attendance at what he described as a crucial forum for sports discourse in the state.
“I am surprised that my successor, Patrick, is not here,” Oli said. “This is where he should be—to feel the pulse of the public. You do not stay away from places where issues about you and your office are discussed.”
A similar concern had earlier been raised during the 2024 edition of SWAN Week by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, who served as Chairman of the occasion and questioned the persistent absence of the Sports Commission leadership.
Insiders within the sports community described the situation as a missed opportunity, suggesting that the absence may indicate either a lack of preparedness or an inability to present a tangible scorecard to the public.
Many observers also viewed the absence of any representative of the Sports Commission as a negative reflection on the Soludo administration’s commitment to sports development in Anambra State.
Despite this, the 2025 SWAN Week Lecture and Recognition Night was widely adjudged a success. Two key lectures were delivered on the topics: “Sudden Death Phenomenon: Why Fitness Alone Is Not Enough” and “Positioning Anambra for a Multi-Million-Dollar Sports Economy.”
The lectures were presented by Dr Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, and Dr Henry Duru of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, respectively.
In his presentation, Dr Njelita urged members of the public to undertake regular medical checks of vital indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation.
According to him, irregular or abnormal readings of these indicators could result in medical emergencies, including syncope, diabetes, and stroke. He explained that while high blood pressure could be effectively managed, it could not be cured, and advised patients to adhere strictly to their prescribed medications.
He further encouraged individuals above the age of 40 to take vasoprin daily as a preventive measure against stroke, while cautioning against excessive or strenuous exercise that could negatively affect blood pressure or heart rate.
Dr Njelita stressed that although physical exercise is essential for maintaining fitness, it must be done moderately to avoid triggering adverse health conditions.
On his part, Dr Duru called on Governor Soludo to prioritise sports as a key economic sector, noting that sports had evolved into a major global industry and a strategic tool for international image-building among advanced nations.
He expressed regret that Anambra State had yet to demonstrate sufficient readiness to harness the vast opportunities within the sports economy.
According to him, sustainable sports development rests on two critical pillars: strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and purpose-driven infrastructure development. He argued that the level of investment required to build a modern sports ecosystem far exceeds what government budgets alone can accommodate.
Dr Duru also emphasised the need for modern, multi-purpose sports infrastructure as the physical foundation for talent discovery, athlete development, and the hosting of commercially viable competitions.
“Infrastructure is the most visible sign of commitment to a sports economy,” he said. “It ranges from community playgrounds and local sports halls to international-standard stadiums. The challenge lies not just in policy formulation, but in consistent and transparent implementation.”
“For Anambra to fully tap into the lucrative sports economy, the convergence of political will, private investment, and professional management will be essential,” he added.
At the event, special recognition awards were presented to Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and CP Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, for their positive contributions to sports and society.
Aburime was honoured for his support for sports journalism and contributions to media development in Anambra State, while CP Orutugu was recognised for his community policing strategy, which has contributed to improved security stability in the state.
Other award recipients included Chief Tony Oli, pioneer Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, for his vision and impact on sports development; Dr Chukwudi Njelita for his public health advocacy; Chief Obinna Ezema, Managing Director and CEO of Cosmila Suites and Hotel, for promoting sports within the hospitality sector; and Barrister Chukwudi Oli for his intervention in sports infrastructure development in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area.
