The second edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games has ended in Umuahia, with Ikwuano Local Government Area emerging as the overall winner of the competition.
Ikwuano clinched the top spot with a total of 131 medals, while Umunneochi LGA came second with 74 medals. Umuahia North LGA, the winner of the maiden edition, finished in third place with 53 medals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, urged the students not to underrate their performances at the event.
The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, challenged the Mayors of the various LGAs to ensure the availability of sporting facilities to inspire and support young athletes.
“I want to challenge the Mayors to make sure that you have sporting facilities that will be able to motivate these young ones to give their best.
“We are confident that as you (the young athletes) have started today in a very small way, tomorrow a great story will be told concerning you.
“So do not underrate what you are doing because there is a seed of greatness in you and tomorrow the world will be celebrating that greatness”, he said.
The Governor also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the Mayors, and sports administrators for their contributions to the success of the event.
He assured that next year’s edition would be better and added that the stadium would receive a facelift.
“It’s my expectation that as we gather here next year, this stadium where you are standing will have a new look”, he assured.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, expressed delight at the successful completion of the second edition of the games, noting that many young talents had been discovered.
He assured that the State Government would nurture the talents to become professionals who would represent both the state and the country in future sporting events.
Also speaking, the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, said the event witnessed a high turnout and great enthusiasm.
Director of Sports Abia State, Comrade Obioma George
He appreciated the Governor for his commitment to sports development and commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports for his unwavering support.
Comrade George highlighted the improvement recorded in this year’s edition and commended the healthy competition displayed by the athletes during the games.
“Last year, Umuahia North came first and you know it’s an urban area but today, they were demoted to third position. Look at Ikwuano Local Government that came first, Ikwuano is semi-urban.
“They took first position. It’s something that one should wonder, how did it happen? You know, it’s like magic”.
in an interview with newsmen, Miss Precious Adaeze Ezechukwu, who won two bronze medals in Karate and Ayo, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to showcase her talent, describing the Unity Games as a life-changing experience for many young athletes in the state.
She said the competition not only helped boost her confidence but also motivated her to work harder and aim for national and international championships.
Miss Ezechukwu expressed hope that the state government would sustain the initiative and provide more platforms for young talents to thrive, especially in lesser-known sports like Ayo.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries, sports stakeholders, and students from various local government areas across the state.
