AN enthusiast, Chike Nwagwu, has pledged to construct a basketball court at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki, only if the government would allocate a space for the infrastructure.

Nwagwu, who is the Managing Director of Mid-Town Pharmacy, Abakaliki, also pledged to donate 20 bags of cement for the project among other interventions in collaboration with other enthusiasts.

The entrepreneur told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abakaliki that as soon as a space was provided, they would get the project completed.

“We are earnestly seeking for a portion to construct a befitting basketball court at the stadium.

“Basketballers are presently playing on a borrowed court at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Abakaliki, and such issues impede the growth of the sport in the state.’’

He told NAN that the relevant authorities had not been forthcoming in allotting the needed portion of land, but would not allow the delay to dampen his interest in the project.

“The state government should create the enabling environment for private sector engagement in sports, especially those that have the passion for the sport.

“There are business investors who would invest in sports development purely for business purposes; and for what will accrue to them from the investment.

“When a basketball court is constructed at the stadium for instance, sponsors can easily invest by branding their goods and services among other activities.

“Airtel Communication Ltd branded the basketball court in Jos, Plateau, and constructed the rims among other interventions that developed the sport in the state.

“A sponsor will always be sure that relevant facilities exist before investing in a particular sport, the number of spectators at the court is one of such incentives that could propel the investment,’’ he said. (NAN)

– Jun. 8, 2018 @ 13:39 GMT |