Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has earmarked a new site for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium, which will include a games village and other sporting facilities, as part of efforts to drive economic growth through sports.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the National Sports Commission, led by its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Governor Otti said that his Government views sports as a powerful unifying force and a catalyst for economic rejuvenation in the State.
Governor Otti noted that the sports economy has the potential to build a better future for young people by providing them with opportunities and keeping them engaged.
“When you talk of sports economy, I agree with you completely. That is the direction we are going. We are also very open, even players, our young people, bringing them on, catching them young, and supporting them to grow.
“You know the truth about this is that when you do some of these things, you may not know exactly what impact you are making. Some of these people (being empowered) will never return to poverty”, Governor Otti stated.
The Governor further called on the National Sports Commission to deepen its partnership with Abia by patronising made-in-Aba sports shoes and other sportswear, noting that the State is well-positioned to supply high-quality locally produced goods.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to standardising local production through initiatives such as the newly commissioned Aba Export Growth Lab, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“When you talk of apparels, fabrics, shoes, and other fashion products, everything is Abia.
“Yesterday, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, we commissioned the Aba Export Growth Lab and the idea is to have a structured way to support apparels, garments and leather industrialists.
“To upgrade their products, make them more competitive, brand them properly, and also create access to markets, particularly international markets”, he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to sports development and for laying the groundwork for a special economic zone that would boost local manufacturing of sports-related products.
Mallam Dikko revealed that one of the visions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is to position sports as a major economic driver for the country.
He noted that the President has already transferred the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Sports to the National Sports Commission to professionalise sports administration and development.
Mallam Dikko urged the Abia State Government to establish a State Sports Commission under the direct supervision of the Governor to fast-track sports development.
“We have a vision to encourage all sub-nationals to set up sports commissions to ensure that sports develops faster. We will work together to see how we can upscale sports in the State.
“We are taking sports as a national asset; it is only sports that can bring the country together.
“You are taking a lot of steps towards sports, which is what we are trying to do. We noticed the clear attention you are giving to sports”, Dikko stated.
The Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, was present during the meeting.
