Mr. Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Gov Chukwuma Soludo and CP Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command, have been honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for their positive contributions to the society.
The awards of recognition were conferred on the recipients during the SWAN Anambra Chapter End of Year Lectures and Recognition ceremony in Awka on Saturday night.
The event marked the end of the two-day 2025 edition of SWAN Week by the Anambra Chapter of the Association, which started with Medical Outreach for journalists where no fewer than 50 benefited.
Aburime was honoured for his contributions to the media and support for sports journalism in Anambra while Ikioye was recognised for his community policing strategy which had stability to Anambra security environment.
Other honourees at the event were Chief Tony Oli Pioneer Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission for vision and impact on sports as well as Dr Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rick Foundation Hospital for Public Health Advocacy crusade.
Chief Obinna Ezema, Managing Director CEO Cosmila Suites and Hotel for promoting sports in the hospitality sector while Barr Chukwudi Oli for his intervention in sports infrastructure in his community, Nri Anaocha Local Government Area.
Delivering a lecture entitled “Sudden Death Phenomenon: Why Fitness Alone is not Enough” Njelita
called on members of the public to go for regular checks of their vitals such as blood pressure, sugar levels, pulse and oxygen level.
Njelita said irregular or abnormal rates if these indicators could lead to medical emergencies such as syncope, diabetes and stroke.
He said blood pressure could only be managed but not cured and encouraged patients with high or low blood pressure to be religious in taking their management medicines while urging anybody above 40 years to take vasoprin daily to prevent stroke.
The medical expert said while it was important for people to engage in physical exercise in a bid to keep fit, they should avoid strenuous workouts that could drain them and trigger unhealthy changes in their blood pressure or heartbeat.
On his part, Dr Henry Duru, a lecturer in the Mass Communications Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to prioritise sports as a key economic sector.
Duru said sports had become both a major industry and external image strategy for advanced countries but regretted that
Anambra had not shown readiness to harness the opportunities in the sports economy.
He said that the transformative success in sports hinged on two foundational pillars: strategic Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and purpose driven infrastructure development.
He said the scale of investment required for a modern sports ecosystem far exceeded the capacity of government budgets alone.
According to him, the role of government must evolve from being the sole funder and operator to becoming a strategic facilitator and regulator.
“There is also the need for modern, multi-purpose sports infrastructure which is the physical foundation necessary for talent discovery, athlete conditioning, and hosting commercially viable competitions.
“Infrastructure is the most visible sign of commitment to a sports economy, it ranges from community playgrounds and local sports halls to international standard stadiums.
“The challenge lies not just in policy formulation but in the consistent and transparent implementation of these plans.
“For Anambra to fully tap into the lucrative sports economy, the convergence of political will, private investment, and professional management will be essential,” he said.
Chief Paul Nwosu, Chairman of the occasion described the event as one of the most educating he attended in recent history and appreciated SWAN for providing the platform for such a robust conversation.
Nwosu who is the immediate past Commissioner for Information in Anambra urged the government to take the issues as constructive feedback from the public while urging participants to take their health seriously by adhering to the advice of the doctor.
Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter congratulated the honourees and urged them to continue to contribute to the security and economy of the state by empowering youths through sports.
Anaso appreciated friends and partners of SWAN including Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, Anambra Police Command, Department of State Services, Anambra Command, Anambra Beach Soccer Association for contributions to the success of the event.