Abia State Government says it is poised to position the state as a hub for sports excellence by providing World Class infrastructure for grassroot participation.
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba stated this while inspecting the Akahaba Sports Complex,Amaogudu Abiriba housing the Ahudiya- Nnem football Club Abiriba.
He said that the state government would invest in upgrading existing stadium and construct new state of the art facilities to meet international standard.
He noted that the aim is to enhance sporting experience for athletes and also attract regional and national sporting events to Abia state
The Commissioner emphasized the role of sports in youth development and curbing youth restiveness.
He highlighted the present administration’s commitment to providing necessary support for the development of talents.
He said that the state government is willing to partner the Abiriba Community to develop grassroot sports and talent development.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry Chief Nwaka Inem, while describing sports as a strong unifier, said that the Akahaba Sports Complex provides the Ministry of Sports an opportunity to deepen the sports development agenda of the present administration at the grassroot.
Chie Inem noted that the Sports Complex already has basic infrastructure, adding that the proposed partnership between the Abia state government and the Abiriba Community to fully develope the facility will provide the people of Abia a standard sporting facility for all kinds of sporting events.
The Chairman of Ahudiya-Nnem Football Club, Onowu Ugwundum Chukwu-Onyeani, highlighted the club’s significant impact in reducing youth involvement in crimes.
He emphasized that the club’s role in nurturing talents across Abia North Senatorial district and facilitating players’ transitions to European leagues.
“We have developed many footballers through the Ahudiya-Nnem Football Club and empowered many others“, he said.
Chukwu-Onyeani expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government to elevate the stadium to international standards, to further support aspiring footballers in achieving their goals.
