By Okechukwu Onuegbu
People of Anambra East LGA, Anambra state are currently counting their gains following the ongoing biennial Nigeria Police Games (Anambra 2020) holding in the state.
Factcheckng reports that Otuocha, the Local Government Headquarters of Anambra East LGA which is hosting male football team, was recording economic turn around since inception of the sports on February 29, even as its mini stadium currently wears a new look.
Speaking in an interview at Otuocha stadium, food vendor, Mrs Ukachukwu Okoye, said “I finish all foods I bring here everyday. There was a day a cook two painters of rice (40 cups), stew and fufu. They all finished. I went home with almost N100,000.”
Also speaking, a tricycle operator, Mr Ike Nkeoma, said he did not become restless as transport situation in the community improved as the game was played from morning to night.
“Even at night people were still rushing to watch match. There were floodlights providing sights to the players. Everywhere, everyone was happy. Some don’t even sleep as at midnight. Yesterday I was on the road conveying people to and fro the stadium, hotels and other happening places here,” he maintenaned.
Others while expressing happiness over the game urged the state and the federal government to invest more on sports especially in the hinterlands with a view to engaging the youths as well as cementing unity of the country which they said sports was known for.
Meanwhile, a coach, Mr Jonathan Joseph, while praising the police for the initiative, which according to him, promotes healthy living, physical fitness amongst the men charged with internal security of the nation to fight crimes, alleged that the general organisation was poor.
"I must confess that the intention of the games is excellently good. But the general organization is poor, I must confess. First, the duration of the matches (40mins) is not the best. Preparation before coming here was not good enough. We came here without camping.
"Most worrisome is the fact that since we arrived here, we have been sleeping outside. Come to our NYSC camp and see how the players sleep outside on their mattresses. This is not good and I think the organizers should involve an expert to help package the games in future", coach Joseph advised.
Tags
Sports