As Abia State celebrates 34 years of existence and reflects on two years of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration, attention turns to progress across various sectors, including sports. Fondly known as God’s Own State, Abia has produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes and is home to iconic clubs such as Enyimba International FC and Abia Warriors.
At the centre of the state’s sports revival is Comrade Obioma George, Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council. A dedicated administrator and passionate advocate for youth empowerment through athletics, Comrade George has played a pivotal role in grassroots sports development across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. With a strong background in sports management and community mobilization, he has led initiatives to revitalize facilities, discover young talents, and promote a multi-sport culture.
In this special interview anchored by the Editor, National Ambassador Newspapers, Deacon Chukwuemeka Egejuru, the Director of Sports Abia State, Comrade George speaks on Abia’s sporting journey, the impact of Governor Otti’s administration, and his vision for the future.
Excerpts:
Abia State is 34 years old. Looking back, how would you describe the journey of sports development since its creation in 1991?
Sports in Abia started on a progressive note. As at 1991, it was sound and vibrant under the leadership of the then Director of Sports, Mr. Anelechi Obonna. From August 1991 to December 2002, Abia dominated weightlifting, athletics, female volleyball, and handball — with the famous Valiant Handball Team ruling both Nigeria and Africa.
After his exit, fortunes dwindled. But under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, that lost glory is being restored. Today, sports in Abia have a clear direction, better infrastructure, renewed hope, and public confidence. Abia is once again recognized as a serious sporting state.
What landmark achievements can you highlight from the Sports Council over the years?
The Valiant Handball Team remains one of our proudest legacies. Abia has also consistently produced world-class champions in weightlifting and powerlifting. Notably, at the Paris Paralympics, Onyinyechi Gift, an Abian, won Nigeria’s first gold medal.
Under Governor Otti, new investments in equipment and facilities are opening up fresh opportunities for athletes.
Under Governor Otti’s administration, what key improvements have been made?
Several dormant sports have been revived, including volleyball, handball, and athletics. The state has procured modern equipment in weightlifting, powerlifting, basketball, and track events — facilities we lacked for decades.
Comrade Obioma George Director of Sports, Abia State
What policies are in place to support grassroots sports development?
Physical Education has been reintroduced in schools, ensuring at least two sports periods weekly. The Secondary School Games have been revived, providing a platform for young talents.
In 2023, Abia placed 2nd overall at the National Para Games, a strong sign that grassroots participation is yielding results across all 17 LGAs.
How has funding and infrastructure been addressed?
This is the best funding Abia sports has received since state creation. For the first time in decades, government is giving sports the attention it deserves.
Can you mention athletes positively impacted in the last two years?
Yes. Chinenye Okafor Junior in table tennis represented Nigeria at the Africa Secondary School Games in Algeria. Beyond her, many Abia athletes are winning medals nationally and internationally in table tennis, athletics, para-badminton, cricket, and handball.
Which sport brought Abia its first medal of 2025?
Table tennis. At the 56th Molade Okoya Thomas National Championship in Lagos (Jan. 27–30), Chinenye Grace Okafor won gold.
How did Abia fare in cricket?
The U-17 female team finished 3rd at the PWC U-17 Cricket Championship in Ebonyi (Feb. 5–10). Abia also hosted a 3-day “Train the Trainers” course in Umuahia (June 11–12), boosting grassroots development.
Any international medals?
Yes. At the Level 2 Para-Badminton Championship in Spain (March 4–9, 2025), Eze Chukwuebuka and Jeremiah Nnana won bronze in men’s doubles.
How about handball and team sports?
At the National U-12 & U-15 Championship in Umuahia, Abia’s boys and girls U-15 teams both finished 1st.
At the National Division One Handball League in Umuahia, the men’s team finished 1st, qualifying for the top league.
In volleyball, Abia’s female team The Excelsiors finished 2nd at the National League (August), while the male team placed 8th.
What are the highlights in athletics and marathon events?
Abia athletes excelled:
MTN Making of Champions, Uyo (May): 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze.
Esther Affigbo starred in long-distance races: Benin 10km Marathon (gold), ECOWAS Abuja 21km (silver), and Enugu City Marathon (silver).
National Open Para-Badminton (Umuahia, July): 1st overall with 17 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, 9 bronze).
ValueJet World Para Table Tennis, Lagos (July): Goodness Young won 1 silver and 1 bronze.
Any notable achievements in wrestling and basketball?
South East Wrestling Championship, Enugu (July): 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze.
Fifty-One Alliance Basketball Cup, Umuahia (June): De Stones Academy finished 2nd.
What efforts are being made to nurture young talents across the 17 LGAs?
Through the National Youth Games, we scout children from all LGAs, refine their skills, and expose them to bigger competitions. Governor Otti’s support makes him the most sports-friendly governor in Abia since 1991.
Do you believe sports helps curb youth restiveness and crime?
Absolutely. Sports keeps youths busy, engaged, and away from crime. Every week, Abia hosts activities that draw youths to training rather than social vices. The governor is deliberately using sports as a tool for crime reduction and youth empowerment.
What is the current state of Abia’s sporting facilities?
Frankly, we lack a standard stadium. Enyimba Stadium is below international standard, while Umuahia Township Stadium is just an enclosure. But Governor Otti has approved a facelift for Umuahia Stadium and maintenance at Enyimba Stadium. Plans are also underway for a world-class 35,000-capacity stadium, with site clearing already begun.
Beyond football, how is the council promoting other sports?
We now participate in 31 sports (up from 20–25 previously). At the National Youth Games, Abia fields athletes in athletics, basketball, wrestling, boxing, traditional sports, and more.
What steps are being taken to attract private investors?
We are establishing Sports Associations in every discipline. These associations will drive sponsorships and partnerships, reducing the financial burden on government.
Is there a meeting point between sports and education in Abia?
Yes. Through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, we are partnering with a UK-based Sports School to run programmes at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. This allows youths to combine education with sports training.
How does the Sports Council collaborate with national and international bodies?
There’s a clear structure — from international federations to national federations and down to states. Abia provides the athletes who eventually represent Nigeria globally.
What is your vision for Abia sports in the coming years?
To see Team Abia dominate nationally and globally. Already, things have improved greatly under Governor Otti. My dream is for youths to embrace sports as a viable career path, even without academic qualifications.
Sports is light. I want to be remembered as the Director who helped Abia youths use sports to rise, fend for themselves, and live meaningful lives.
Finally, expectations are high for the 2025 National Youth Games. What should Abians expect?
For the first time, Abia is traveling with 281 athletes across 31 sports. This is unprecedented. Last year, 15 of our athletes were selected into Nigeria’s National Youth Camp. This year, our target is a top 5 finish on the medal table.
