For the first time in nearly 20 years since former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu donated a coaster bus to the Abia State Sports Council, the Council has received a brand-new coaster bus, in fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Alex Otti to enhance its transportation needs.
Speaking as jubilant staff of the Council presented the new bus to him, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otti, whom he described as “Chioma Ndi Sports” (God’s Gift to Sports).
He commended the Governor for fulfilling his promise as well as his unwavering commitment to sports development in Abia State.
“I thank His Excellency, Chioma Ndi Sports. Without him, this would not have happened. Without him, we wouldn’t have gone to Paris. Without him, we wouldn’t have won all these medals”, Ananaba stated.
In his remarks, the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, lauded Governor Otti for his exceptional contributions to sports development in Abia and described the new bus as a promise made and fulfilled.
“The Governor said he would give us a bus, and today, we have a brand-new one. Our Governor is a man whose work speaks for itself”, he said.
Comrade George who highlighted the Governor’s impact on sports, recalled how Otti facilitated the participation of Abia athletes in international and national competitions.
“He took these athletes to Paris and they made Nigeria proud in paralympic , the younger ones went to Asaba and bettered our records from 22nd position in Nigeria to 10th position.
“And His Excellency received the State contingent and gave them a very powerful award of 75 million Naira. He has done so much.
“The Council wasalmost going moribund but only for his coming, life has returned. Abia State today is a place where so many national federations want to come with their sports.
“Today, sixteen States are in Abia competing in the National Handball Under 12 and 15, Abia started on a good note , the first match of Abia team , Abia trashed Osun State 30/10,” Comrade George stated.
Expressing their appreciation, senior staff of the Sports Council, including Lady Nnenne Ugo-Oleka, Abia State Athletics Secretary, Mrs. Grace Ihuoma Ejika and Games Secretary and Secretary of Basket ball, Mr. Stanley Enyinnaya Adind hailed Governor Otti as a leader who keeps his promises.
They noted that previous administrations had ignored their pleas for a vehicle, adding that the Governor’s gesture would serve as a motivation to achieve even greater success and bring more laurels to Abia State.
