GOVERNOR OTTI INAUGURATES ABIA SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, FLAGS OFF NEW ERA OF GRASSROOTS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has inaugurated 38 Sports Associations, setting in motion a bold agenda to reposition sports as a key driver of youth development, talent discovery, and state pride.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium, was performed on behalf of the Governor by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.

In his address, Governor Otti described the event as a defining moment in the state’s journey to rebuild and transform its sports ecosystem, noting that the initiative represents a deliberate commitment to harness sports as a platform for engaging youths and creating opportunities.

“Today marks not just the beginning of a new administrative phase, but the renewal of our collective commitment to reposition sports as a vital driver of youth development and state pride,” the Governor stated.

He charged the newly inaugurated members of the sports associations to approach their responsibilities with innovation, transparency, and a results-driven mindset, stressing that while Abia is richly endowed with sporting talents, success will depend on effective structure, strategic investment, and dedicated leadership.

“Sports remains one of the most powerful tools to engage, inspire, and uplift our youths. Your appointment is not just an honour but a call to service, and we are confident in your capacity to deliver results that will make Abia proud,” he added.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable sports development. He described the board members as catalysts for change and urged them to leverage their networks to attract sponsorships and create sustainable funding streams.

He noted that government alone cannot shoulder the financial demands of modern sports development, calling for renewed focus on grassroots programmes, school sports revival, and talent discovery across communities.

In his goodwill message, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Mr Benedict Ezeama, commended the Abia State Government for its remarkable strides in sports development, describing the state as a leading hub of athletic excellence in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Mr Obioma George, highlighted recent achievements, including the emergence of several national coaches from Abia across different sporting disciplines.

Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated members, Chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, Hon. Sampson Anaga, expressed gratitude to the state government and assured that the members would justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering impactful results and elevating Abia’s presence on the national and international sports stage.

Present at the event were the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije; Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor; Special Assistant on Sports, Hon. Raymond Ukwa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Pastor (Mrs) Jane Maxwell Igwe; and other government appointees, as well as sports promoters, administrators, and enthusiasts.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary
to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
April 29, 2026.