Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has assured the Management and Players of Abia Warriors Football Club of the state government’s unwavering support for improved performance in future achievements.
Governor Otti gave the assurance, during a reception in honour of the players and management of the club, following their historic performance as runners-up in the 2023/2024 FA Cup competition, the first in the history of the club.
Governor Otti expressed his pride and satisfaction with their accomplishment. congratulated the team for their outstanding achievement noting that that reaching the finals was a significant milestone for the club.
“I was very pleased as I watched you inch to the finals. As far as I was concerned, when you got to the finals, you had won and the least that could happen was for you to be first runner up which is what you are.
“So when I listened to the chairman speak a little bit with regret, saying that luck ran out of you,I’m not too sure I can remember in recent time when you were the first runner-up. So, you came from the rear and you came second in the FA Cup. That’s a huge feat and I’m happy and I congratulate you”, Gov Otti said.
He expressed confidence that the team would return with the trophy in future finals and assured the players of ongoing support from his administration to achieve greater success both as a team and individually to produce football stars akin to Jay Jay Okocha and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“One thing you can take away from here is that this government will continue to support you.Those Opportunities we do not have, we want to give them to you”, the Governor assured.
He acknowledged the club’s requests and announced the imminent provision of a new coaster bus for the team and promised to address other needs as the state resources allow.
The Governor in a show of support, announced a N30 million donation from the state government to the players and contributed an additional N5 million personally through the Alex Otti Foundation.
Other notable donations included N10 million from former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, N5 million from Senator Darlington Nwaokocha, and N2.5 million from Engr. Chinedu Onyeizu.
The event was attended by key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu, Hon. Commissioner for Power and Utilities Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, and Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Youth Development Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, among others.
