Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Monday inaugurated the maiden edition of the Abia State Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth and sports development.
The brief but colourful ceremony, which featured a symbolic torch-lighting event, took place in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, described the event as a celebration of hope, unity, and the renewed spirit of Abia’s youths.
“Today, we gather here to light a torch not merely of fire, but of hope, passion, and youthful energy,” Otti said.
The governor explained that the sports fiesta, scheduled to hold from November 25 to 29, 2025, would feature 23 sporting events with participation from 38 state-owned and private tertiary institutions across Abia.
“As the torch travels through all 38 institutions, it will carry with it the message of unity, discipline, and excellence that defines the Abian spirit,” he said.
“These games go beyond competition; they provide a platform for talent discovery, moral redirection, and positive engagement. Through sports, our young people will find purpose, strength, and teamwork the very qualities needed for a progressive society.”
Otti commended his Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Institutions, Dr. Emeka Enyeazu, who chairs the fiesta’s organising committee in collaboration with the Abia State Sports Council, for his dedication and effective coordination.
He also announced a ₦500,000 grant for any institution presenting athletes in five or more sporting events, describing it as an incentive to encourage participation and excellence.
The governor urged students to imbibe the values of teamwork, discipline, and focus, noting that the games would nurture future champions who would make Abia proud.
“Let every flare remind our students that greatness begins with discipline, and that within each of them lies the fire to transform our state and nation,” Otti said.
“May this flame burn brightly as it journeys through every institution, carrying our collective hope for unity, sportsmanship, and a vibrant youth culture.”
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the fiesta as an initiative of her ministry, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
She said the event was designed to foster unity, friendship, and healthy engagement among students of tertiary institutions in the state.
According to her, the programme also reflects the inclusiveness of the Otti administration’s education policies, providing an opportunity for students in both public and private institutions to interact and showcase their talents.
“The fiesta will feature various games and competitions aimed at promoting laughter, friendship, and teamwork among Abia youths,” she added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwobilor Ananaba, described the initiative as a key part of the government’s grassroots sports development agenda.
Ananaba noted that the administration’s sports vision begins at the foundation level from primary and secondary schools to identify and nurture young talents.
“With its extension to tertiary institutions, the initiative will further deepen youth engagement and talent development across Abia State,” he said.
