Abia youths have been called upon to invest in themselves, uphold positive values and actively participate in leadership and civic development.
The call was made by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, while declaring open the second edition of the Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta and unveiling the New Abia Crusaders Club at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Governor Otti, who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, said the New Abia Crusaders Club would help inculcate the values of the New Abia in the youth and prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Uche Eme-Uche, in her welcome address, disclosed that talents discovered during the first edition of the fiesta had gone on to represent the state and win laurels for Abia.
Prof Eme-Uche further explained that the Crusaders initiative was designed to operate across tertiary institutions in the state, training young people to become active participants, rather than passive observers, in promoting good leadership and civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, described the fiesta as a platform for empowerment, unity and talent discovery.
He noted that the success of the first edition had provided the impetus for the second edition, urging participants to demonstrate the highest standards of fair play, discipline and mutual respect throughout the competition.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Mr Emeka Enyeazu, urged the students to compete fairly and respect their opponents.
He encouraged the participants to look beyond winning medals, stressing that the ultimate goal should be to become better versions of themselves through sportsmanship, discipline and healthy competition.
Speaking on behalf of the founders of private tertiary institutions in Abia State, the Founder of Lux Mundi University, Prof Gabriel Okenwa, expressed the hope that the fiesta would further strengthen the bonds of friendship, unity and love among the people of the state.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club and the administration of its oath. The initiative serves as a civic engagement platform for students across tertiary institutions in Abia State.
With the pomp and pageantry of the opening ceremony over, the athletes have rolled up their sleeves and begun battling for honours, as the sports fiesta continues until Friday, November 6, 2026.
