Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled plans to rejuvenate grassroots sports in the state, aiming to tap into the potential of Abia youths.
Speaking at the Umuahia township stadium during the inauguration of the Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of sports as a professional venture, announcing discussions with both foreign and local investors to develop young sports talents.
Governor Otti directed secondary school principals to prioritize inter-house sports and revealed collaboration between the State Ministries of Youths and Sports and Education to reintegrate Physical and Health Education into the curriculum. He highlighted the reactivation of the Nsulu Games Village in Isiala Ngwa North as a pivotal step in this initiative.
Otti stated, “What we have started with these games is a signal to what we want to do for the entire sports ecosystem in the state. We have recently put together a comprehensive grassroots sports development that would involve infrastructure, training and exposure of talented athletes to life-changing opportunities and platforms”
The governor outlined a comprehensive grassroots sports development program, including infrastructure, training, and exposure opportunities for talented athletes. The pilot phase will involve establishing model sports centers in communities and urban areas, where aspiring athletes will receive mentorship from seasoned professionals.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Nwaobilor Analaba, commended the governor for procuring sports equipment, reviving grassroots games, and lifting the ban on the Umuahia township stadium imposed by the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Abia State Director of Sports, Mr. Obioma George, disclosed that 1,840 students are participating in 24 games.
