Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated a 27-member Main Organising Committee (MOC) to oversee the 2024 Anambra State Traders Sports Competition. The event took place at the Anambra State Market Traders Association (ASMATA) Secretariat in Onitsha.
Representing Governor Soludo, Special Adviser on Trade, Chief Evarist Ubah, urged the state’s trading community to actively participate in the competition, which is aimed at fostering unity and strengthening bonds through sports. Ubah encouraged older traders to engage in indoor games while allowing younger apprentices to participate in more physically demanding sports like football. He also noted that the prize money for top performers has been doubled this year to boost competitiveness.
Patrick Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), highlighted the importance of the competition, recognizing the large number of traders who have a passion for sports. Onyedum called on market leaders to ensure they field their genuine members to promote interaction and sportsmanship. He also confirmed that the competition will run from October through the first week of December.
According to Onyedum, Governor Soludo’s commitment to the traders’ well-being is evident, as this year’s edition promises to be more rewarding, with winners receiving double the prize money compared to last year.
ASMATA President General, Humphrey Anuna, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his dedication to the welfare and fitness of traders. Anuna assured full mobilization of traders for the competition and promised that this year’s edition will surpass the inaugural one.
Six subcommittees, covering Technical, Administration, Finance/Mobilisation, Venue/Facility/Security, Media/Publicity, and Ceremonial/Protocol, were also established and inaugurated.
The competition will feature events such as tennis, football, draughts, table tennis, and Ncho/Ayo.
