Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated members of the Abia State Sports Associations Board, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to repositioning sports as a key driver of youth empowerment and state development.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Umuahia Township Stadium Indoor Hall, Umuahia, the Governor—represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu—described the event as a significant milestone. He noted that it marks the beginning of a renewed effort to harness sports for discipline, unity, and excellence among young people.
He congratulated the newly appointed board members, describing their selection as both a recognition of their competence and a call to service.
“Sports remains one of the most powerful tools to engage, inspire, and uplift our young people,” he said, stressing that Abia is endowed with abundant talent across football, athletics, combat sports, and indoor games. He emphasized that talent must be supported with proper structure, investment, and effective administration.
The Governor charged the board to provide strategic leadership, ensure transparency, and create opportunities that would enable athletes to excel at both national and international levels.
He reiterated that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure, strengthen grassroots programmes, and build partnerships to expand opportunities for athletes.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the inauguration signals a new phase in sports development in the state.
Mr. Ananaba noted that sports development is capital-intensive and called for collaboration between government and private stakeholders. He urged the non-salaried board members to leverage their influence, networks, and resources to attract sponsorships, develop grassroots competitions, and establish sustainable funding streams.
“Be catalysts, not spectators,” he said, adding that associations must move beyond dependence on government and embrace innovation, accountability, and measurable results.
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Benand Ezeama, commended the Abia State Government for its achievements in sports development, describing the state as a major hub for athletic talent in Nigeria.
He noted that Abia continues to produce athletes who excel at national and international levels and praised the synergy within the state’s leadership, which he said has become a model for other states.
The Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Mr. Obioma George, highlighted recent successes, including the appointment of several Abia coaches to national teams in various sports. He urged the new board to intensify grassroots talent discovery and development.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated members, the Chairman of the Abia State Athletics Association, Mr. Victor Okoror, commended Dr. Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sports development in the state. He said the association aligns with the government’s vision and remains committed to uniting current and former athletes to build a stronger and more competitive athletics programme.
Also speaking on behalf of various groups, the Chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, Chief Sampson Anaga, expressed appreciation to the government and pledged the board’s commitment to attracting sporting events, boosting economic activities, and delivering on its mandate.
The event drew sports stakeholders and enthusiasts, reflecting a renewed drive by the Abia State Government to position sports as a platform for youth engagement, economic growth, and social cohesion.
