Soludo abolishes Anambra sports commission

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State abolished the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC) and reinstated the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports. This decision was confirmed in the 18-man Commissioner-nominees list that Mr. Soludo sent to the Anambra House of Assembly for screening on Tuesday, May 6, 2026.
Patrick Aghamba has been nominated as Commissioner for the newly merged ministry. Mr. Aghamba previously held the position of Commissioner for Youth Empowerment during Mr. Soludo’s first term.
The Anambra Sports Development Commission was established as an independent department under the administration of then-Governor Willie Obiano in 2018. Tony Oli served as the commission's inaugural chairman, while Patrick Onyedum functioned as the second and immediate past chairman.
Among the former Commissioners included in the new list are Izuchukwu Okafor (Finance), Afam Obidike (Health), Law Mefor (Information and Value Reformation), and Offornze Amucheazi (Lands).
Additional nominees are Ben-Chuks Odoemena (Agriculture), Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning), Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism), Ekene Ogugua (Education), and Clem Aguiyi (Environment).
Also on the nominees list are Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN (Justice/Attorney-General), Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs), Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources), and Chijioke Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development).
Furthermore, Casmir Agummadu (Power), Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure), Eddy Ibuzo (Transport), and Esther Chinyere Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development) are part of the appointments.
The abolition of the ASSDC signifies a shift in the governance of sports and youth development in the state as announced by Governor Soludo.