Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Friday, received the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2025 Sports Festival Torch, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development.
The symbolic torch, which arrived from Imo State, was presented to the Governor in a ceremony attended by top government officials and sports stakeholders.
Governor Otti described the torch as a representation of unity and light, which he said aligns with Abia State’s identity as the “Light of the Nation”.
He congratulated the State’s athletes in advance and expressed confidence in their ability to excel at the NDDC Sports Festival scheduled to commence on April 2 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where athletes from across the nine NDDC states will compete for top honors.
“Let me start by congratulating you because I can see that you are champions already, even before the games begin.
“This torch is a symbol of unity and light, and Abia stands for light. I also commend the NDDC for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, where the nine NDDC states will compete”, the Governor stated.
Governor Otti who reaffirmed the State Government’s full support for the athletes said “When you return with the trophy, we will celebrate you. On behalf of the people and Government of Abia State, I congratulate you in advance and wish you success”.
Earlier while presenting the torch to the Governor, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended the Governor’s proactive approach to sports development.
He lauded the NDDC for organizing the festival, which progressed from the Local Government level through Zonal and State stages to select the best athletes for the grand competition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Sir Ananaba emphasized that the tournament serves as a platform to harness and nurture young sports talents across the Niger Delta region.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of the Abia State Sports Council, Mr. George Obioma, praised Governor Otti’s contributions to the sector, which have led to remarkable achievements, including the qualification of the state’s Under-15 handball team for a major tournament in Spain.
“Your Excellency, we sincerely appreciate your unwavering support for sports in Abia. Just yesterday (March 27), history was made as the Handball Federation of Nigeria visited Abia under your approval.
“Our Under-15 male and female handball teams won their respective trophies, marking the first time our teams will represent Nigeria at an international tournament in Spain”, Mr. Obioma stated.
He further thanked Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to provide a coaster bus for the Sports Council, which has significantly improved logistics for the athletes and officials.
Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Science & Technology, Hon. David Kalu; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuruibe; Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Chibueze Nwokocha, Speacial Assistant to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, his Youth counterpart, , Comr. Onyebuchi Chukwu, among others.
