Abia Inaugurates Sports Council Board, Targets Youth Development , Sporting Excellence
The Abia State Government has inaugurated a new Sports Council Board, charging its members to reposition the sector as a catalyst for youth development, economic growth, and state pride.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Umuahia Township Stadium, marked what officials described as a renewed commitment to harnessing sports as a strategic tool for empowerment and social cohesion.
Representing Governor Alex Otti at the event, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the move signals the beginning of a new phase in sports administration in the state.
He noted that beyond constituting a board, the initiative reflects the government’s determination to revitalise the sports sector and unlock its full potential.
“This inauguration represents the renewal of our collective commitment to reposition sports as a vital driver of youth development and state pride,” he said.
Emetu congratulated the newly appointed board members, describing their selection as both a recognition of their competence and a call to service, adding that the government has high expectations of their performance.
Highlighting the broader impact of sports, he stressed its role in youth engagement and character building, including discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
“Sports offers opportunities for talent discovery, personal development, and global exposure, especially at a time when we must provide constructive pathways for our youth,” he added.
The deputy governor acknowledged the abundance of sporting talent in Abia State but emphasised the need for structured systems and sustained investment to maximise these potentials.
“Talent alone is not enough. It must be supported by effective administration, strategic investment, and proper management, and that is where this board comes in,” he said.
He assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support through infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, urged the board members to adopt innovative and proactive approaches in delivering on their mandate.
He pointed out that government resources alone are insufficient to drive the desired transformation, calling on members to leverage their networks to attract private sector support.
“Government alone cannot shoulder this burden. That is why you have been carefully selected to drive change,” he said.
“Be a catalyst, not a spectator. Use your networks to attract sponsorship, create sustainable funding streams, and open doors that only you can open.”
Ananaba also stressed the importance of accountability and measurable outcomes, warning against inefficiency within sporting associations.
“The days of associations existing only on paper are over. You will be judged by your results, the athletes you produce, the competitions you organise, and the lives you impact,” he stated.
He reiterated the administration’s vision of positioning Abia as a leading sports destination in Nigeria, noting that such progress would translate into job creation and economic opportunities.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director of the National Sports Commission, Mr Bernard Ezeama, commended the state government for the visible transformation in its sports sector.
“There is a real transformation in Abia’s sports sector that other states are beginning to emulate,” he said, while urging the board members to remain committed and accountable.
“The task ahead is enormous. You must go the extra mile to sustain and build on the progress already recorded,” he advised.
Ezeama further called for unity and collaboration among sports associations, noting that collective success would strengthen the entire system.
“When one association rises, it lifts the entire sports council,” he added.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, disclosed that some sports coaches from the state have been appointed as national coaches, attributing the achievement to the governor’s vision and commitment to sports development.
In his goodwill message, the Pro-Chancellor and Founder of Lux Mundi and Patron of Darts, Prof. Okenwa G.O.C., expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity to serve.
“We thank His Excellency for finding us capable and worthy to be part of this move to re-engineer, reorganise, and re-strategise sporting associations in Abia State,” he said.
He assured stakeholders of the board’s commitment to delivering results and making the state proud at both national and international levels.
The event attracted government officials, sports administrators, stakeholders, and youths from across the state, all expressing optimism that the newly inaugurated board would usher in a new era of growth and excellence in Abia’s sports sector.
The inauguration underscores the government’s renewed resolve to leverage sports for youth engagement, talent development, and socio-economic advancement.
