Abia State government is investing heavily in the total development of Abia youths.
This heartwarming disclosure was made by the governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Governor’s Secondary School Unity Games at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba urged the umpires to be fair and urged the competitors to give in their best as this competition could be the stepping stone to stardom. He emphasized that sports is not only for entertainment but has become a money spinner.
In his welcome address, the Hon. Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba decried the state of school sports at the inception of this administration, “When this administration came to power two years ago, sports was almost dead in our schools across the state”, said the commissioner, “Consequently, we introduced two hours of Physical Education a week in our schools and made it part of our curriculum, reintroduced inter-house sports in our schools and then introduced a state-wide Sports Festival tagged ”The Abia State Governor ‘s Secondary School Unity Games”
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Nwaigwe Cyril Chibuike on his part outlined eight benefits of secondary school sports to include to foster Unity, peace, love and collaborative work among people of Abia State, Nigeria and the international community, encourage sports activities in our school system, develop hidden sporting talents in the young ones as well as improve healthy living.
In his vote of thanks, the Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George thanked the governor and all involved in the development of sports in Abia State. He said that 1,117 students have already registered to compete in 28 sports.
Highlights of the opening ceremony were the lighting of the games torch which signifies the commencement of the games, cultural displays and march past by the 17 participating Local Government Areas.
Athletes discovered during the inaugural edition won 31 medals, comprising of seven gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals at the last National Sports Festival in Ogun State with one of them winning three gold medals.
