Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is set to host the second phase of the Nigerian National Volleyball Federation Division One and Two Championship in Umuahia.
The event, which brings together top volleyball teams from across the country, aims to promote sports development and foster unity through healthy competition.
Addressing Journalists on the upcoming competition, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, emphasized that Governor Alex Otti is committed to transforming Abia State into a premier sports destination.
Mr Ananaba noted that since Governor Otti’s assumption of office, numerous sports federations have chosen Abia as the venue for various sporting events adding that Abia is on track to becoming a hub for sports tourism and the business of sports.
“Abia will be number one destination in terms of sports in the near future. In terms of sports tourism and the business of sports and we are working towards it. As you can see, everybody wants to come to Abia state.
Almost all the states now want to come to Abia state for us to host one event or the other. And since His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti assumed office, he has been doing fantastic things in all the sectors including the sports sector.
“We are excited to welcome the whole nation for the Volleyball Championship Division One and Two”, Ananaba stated.
The Commissioner while highlighting Abia’s readiness for the competition, disclosed that in terms of facilities, the recent approval of the indoor hall of the stadium by Governor Otti has brought the facility to an international standard.
He urged the athletes to work hard assuring that the Governor is willing to reward any athlete that performs excellently and expressed hope that Team Abia would perform well in the competition.
Also, the State Director of Sports , Comrade Obioma George while disclosing that the competition would commence on Thursday, 10th October with arrival of athletes and last through 20th October, revealed that 19 states are expected to be in Abia for the competition.
He applauded Governor Otti for his transformative leadership which has significantly revitalized various sporting activities and positioned Abia as a strong contender in national sports events.
Nwaobilor also credited the recent successes in the sports sector, such as the Secondary School Games, as part of the Governor’s vision to lay a solid foundation for future sports growth in the state.
“You know before now things were topsy turvy in the state Sports Council Abia, but the coming of His Excellency , Dr.Alex Chioma Otti OFR has sincerely turned things around in the sports sector.
“So far in Abia state, the state is waxing strong starting from when the state organised the secondary school games which was just like a foundation.
“The Governor is interested in developing sports”, Comrade George maintained.
In his contribution, an international volleyball referee and 1st Vice of Chairman of the Nigerian Volleyball Association., Muhammed Muhammed, while assuring of fair officiating in the competition, commended Governor Otti for his interest in sports development in Nigeria.
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“Not every Governor shows such interest in sports development. Abia has sponsored numerous competitions, demonstrating its commitment to advancing sports in Nigeria”,
“Even last two months , the state sponsored the South South / South East Volleyball Championship” Muhammed remarked.
