Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has fulfilled his promises by rewarding athletes with cash gifts.
Speaking at a meeting with the Abia athletes in Umuahia Abia state recently, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, described Dr. Otti as a sports loving Governor, adding that the Governor understands the crucial role of motivation in driving athletes to push beyond limits, overcome obstacles and strive for excellence.
He revealed that the essence of the meeting was to distribute cash gifts to athletes who distinguished themselves in the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta state and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France, as earlier promised by Gov. Otti.
– Comrade Obioma George Director of Sports, Abia State
Comrade Obioma who also thanked the Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Chief Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba for his support to Abia state Sports Council, urged parents to ensure judicious use of the cash gifts for academic development of their children.
In his vote of thanks, a three gold medalist in weightlifting, Eze Chiemerie Vitalis, 18, thanked Gov. Otti for fulfilling his cash gift promise, adding that he would invest the money for his personal development.
Meanwhile, one of the parents, Mrs Chinyere Okafor whose two children won medals at the last concluded NYG Asaba, expressed happiness over the gesture, noting that she would use the money to support their academics.
Recall that Gov. Otti had announced a cash rewards of N20 million for two Paralympic Powerlifting champions from Abia, Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, as well as other athletes for making Abia State proud at national and international level.
In addition to the cash rewards, Governor Otti promised to offer employment to 15 athletes from Abia who won gold and silver medals in international and national sporting competitions
This move, he said, is a way to encourage and support athletes from the state.
Governor Otti’s administration had also abolished the non indigène distinction, considering anyone residing in Abia state as an Abian.
