By Marvelous Ezenwa
A new chapter in community development opened in Anaocha Local Government Area on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as Barr. Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia Nri N’Anaocha) flagged off the construction of a sports stadium at Nri Boys Secondary School, Nri.
The event drew a large crowd of residents and indigenes who witnessed the commencement of site clearing by tractors, marking the beginning of what is expected to become one of the leading sports facilities in Anambra State.
In his remarks, Barr. Oli described the project as part of his broader commitment to the growth of Anaocha, particularly in youth empowerment and educational development. He further disclosed plans to renovate classrooms, replace old roofs, and undertake additional infrastructural improvements in the school.
“Sports is not only about playing; it is about instilling discipline and building character,” he said, noting that the stadium would serve as a platform for both sporting excellence and youth development.
The Mayor of Anaocha, Hon. Romanus Ibekwe, represented by his deputy, Hon. Barr. Peter Ewenike, commended Oli’s contributions, describing him as a philanthropist whose efforts continue to uplift the community.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Mr. Patrick Estate Onyedum, also attended the ceremony. In his address, he commended Oli’s alignment with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s development agenda, stressing that the new facility would open up Nri to sporting and economic opportunities. He added that Solution Football Club of Anambra, which competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), would play its home matches at the new stadium upon completion.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman of Anaocha, Chief Anthony Ugoji, led a delegation of party members to the event. He applauded Oli’s support for the party and his service to the people. In a related development, about 500 members of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) announced their defection to APGA during the ceremony, citing Oli’s influence and developmental initiatives as key reasons for their decision.
In continuation of his philanthropic gestures, Oli provided cash support to more than 2,000 residents, including women, youths, and the elderly.
The occasion also featured a familiarization visit by Solution Football Club of Anambra, which conferred on Barr. Oli the status of Patron and presented him with branded club kits, acknowledging his role in advancing sports development in line with Governor Soludo’s vision.
The Nri sports stadium project is expected to serve as a hub for sporting activities and community engagement in Anaocha, reinforcing Oli’s position as a key stakeholder in the drive for grassroots development in Anambra State.
