Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has reiterated the commitment of his administration to Sports Development, highlighting plans for comprehensive grassroots initiatives aimed at building world-class sporting infrastructure and nurturing young talents across the state.
Governor Otti stated this during the kickoff of the maiden edition of the Abia state Governor’s secondary school Unity Games Competition.
The event, held at the Umuahia Township Stadium witnessed the convergence of talented young athletes who have proven their mettle across the 17 LGAs of the state and would compete among themselves for laurels in 24 sporting activities.
Governor Otti in his address titled; ” To Learn, Lead And Win”, emphasized the significance of the tournament as a platform for nurturing future champions, potential Olympic medalists and record-breakers, underscoring the importance of their participation in shaping the future of sports development in the state.
He unveiled plans by the present administration to establish sports excellence colleges, revival of inter-school competitions, and the integration of sports into the state’s economic development agenda.
“What we have started with this games is a signal to what we want to do for the entire Sports ecosystem in the state.
“We have recently developed a comprehensive programme of grassroot sports development that would involve the development of sport infrastructure, training and exposure of talented sports athletes to life changing opportunities and platforms.
“We are already in talks with local and foreign partners to commence the pilot phase of the programme which would see us build model sports centers in communities and urban neighborhoods, where kids and teenagers with talents and interest in pursuing careers in sports would be taught the ropes by accompanied professionals through a structured programme of comprehensive development.
“I aim at not just shaping participants into excellent sportsmen but building whole individuals equipped with all it takes to succeed in the field of play and the larger arena.
“We envision Abia as a major hub for global sports talent. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we aim to propel our athletes to compete on the international stage, while creating economic opportunities for all stakeholders”, Gov Otti remarked.
Governor Otti called on public-spirited individuals, development partners, and businesses to join hands with the state government in advancing the state’s sports agenda and to harness the economic and social potential of sports.
He congratulated the competitors in the Games for making it to the state level, and urged them to see the tournament as an opportunity to learn team work, leadership and resilience.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended the government for its efforts towards improving sports development in Abia.
Ananaba said: “The government is intentional about sports and a roadmap has been designed in line with the governor’s campaign promises to strengthen rural sports development”.
The event attended by various dignitaries including the football legend and Chairman, Enyimba Football Club, Mr Kanu Nwankwo, representative of the Minister of Sports among other dignitaries, also featured match last by schools from the 17 LGAS of the state and the inspection of sports equipments by Governor Otti.
