The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter, has honoured Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, for his contributions to society.
The association also recognised the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, for his contributions to society.
The awards were presented in Awka during the SWAN Anambra End-of-Year Lectures and Recognition Ceremony.
The event marked the climax of the two-day 2025 SWAN Week, which also featured a medical outreach for journalists.
Aburime was recognised for his contributions to media development and support for sports journalism in Anambra.
Orutugu received an award for his community policing strategy, which has contributed to improved security stability in the state.
Other honourees included Chief Tony Oli, pioneer Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, for his vision and impact on sports development.
Dr Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, for his public health advocacy.
Also honoured were Chief Obinna Ezema, Managing Director and CEO of Cosmila Suites and Hotel, for promoting sports within the hospitality sector.
Barr. Chukwudi Oli for his intervention in sports infrastructure development in his community, Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area.
Sudden Death Phenomenon: Why Fitness Alone Is Not Enough?
Delivering a lecture titled “Sudden Death Phenomenon: Why Fitness Alone Is Not Enough,” Njelita urged the public to undergo regular medical checks.
He said irregular readings of vital indicators could result in medical emergencies such as syncope, diabetes and stroke.
According to him, blood pressure can be managed but not cured.
He urged patients with high or low blood pressure to adhere strictly to prescribed medications.
Njelita also advised individuals above 40 yeas to take preventive measures against stroke.
He also cautioned against excessive or strenuous exercise that could trigger unhealthy changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
In his presentation, Dr Henry Duru of Mass Communication Department, NAU, Awka, called on the Anambra Government to prioritise sports as a key economic sector.
Duru said sports had evolved into a major industry and image-building tool for developed nations.
According to him, Anambra had yet to fully harness opportunities in the sports economy.
He identified strategic Public-Private Partnerships and purpose-driven infrastructure development as critical pillars for transforming the sports sector.
According to him, government should reposition itself from being the sole funder to a facilitator and regulator to attract private sector investment.
“There is also a need for modern, multi-purpose sports infrastructure, which is essential for talent discovery, athlete development and hosting commercially viable competitions,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Paul Nwosu, described the event as highly enlightening.
He commended SWAN for creating a platform for robust discussions on sports and public health.
Nwosu, a former Commissioner for Information in Anambra, urged government to consider the issues raised as constructive public feedback and encouraged participants to take their health seriously.
Earlier, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter, Mr Chimezie Anaso, congratulated the honourees.
Anaso urged them to sustain their contributions to security and economic development through youth empowerment via sports.
He also appreciated partners and supporters of the association for their roles in the success of the event.
These include Rock Foundation Hospital and he Anambra Police Command.
Others are the Department of State Services (DSS), Anambra Command, and the Anambra Beach Soccer Association.
