Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka has been certified as one of the thirty-five primary schools in Anambra State to benefit from the free donation of sports equipment intervention by the National Lottery Trust Fund.
At the presentation ceremony held at the University Auditorium, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mrs. Phyllis Nwokedi said, the essence of the intervention is to promote grassroots sports development in the country with the specific objectives of enhancing the capacity of the nation to grow and expand her talent base, by securing the interest and involvement of children of primary schools in sporting activities.
She added that the wealth generated from lottery has been used to transform the society. She commended the Government of President Mohammadu Buhari for his efforts geared towards changing lives and promotion of grassroots sports in the country, through equipping public primary schools with quality sports equipment, through funding from the National lottery.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, OON in his address stressed that the event is meant to create awareness on the transformational legacies of lottery funding to good causes and how they have positively impacted the nation. The good cause that covered the mandate according to him, include; projects for the advancement, uplift and promotion of sports development, education, social services, public welfare and relief, as well as management of natural disasters in Nigeria.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government’s objective to promote grassroot sports development through the application of statutory remittances from lottery proceeds, will remain sustainable, and will continue to channel resources to key government projects and programmes that will bring succour to Nigerians.
The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS in his speech, expressed appreciation to the Management of the National Lottery Trust Fund for contributing their quota to the development of humanity.
The exercise, which he described as a welcome development, should be properly harnessed to ensure that challenges are surmounted. He assured the group that Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School will put into judicious use, the equipment given to them by the Lottery Trust Fund.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha in her address, emphasized that sports is a good cause that fosters unity, hence should be encouraged. She expressed gratitude to the Management team of lottery, for their contributions. She urged teachers in the State to ensure that the equipment are put into good use by the pupils.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony were; the Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Chief Nzemeka Olisah; former speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Anayo Nwokedi; Zonal Coordinator of the National Lottery Trust Fund South-East Zone, Mr. Kingsley Ibekwe; Dean, Faculty of Education (UNIZIK), Prof. Ogo Ibeneme; Community Leaders, staff and pupils of primary schools in the State amongst others. Sports equipment were presented in different areas of sports activities, such as; athletics, volleyball, basketball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo and taekwondo.
