Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Abia State Government has inaugurated the boards of various sports federations under the State Sports Council, charging members to reposition the sector as a key driver of youth employment, development and economic growth.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Indoor Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium, was performed by Governor Alex Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu. Otti described the revitalisation of sports as a strategic step toward youth development and cohesion, noting that sports remains a powerful platform for engaging young people and instilling unity, discipline, teamwork and resilience.
The governor congratulated the newly appointed board members, emphasising that their selection was both a recognition of their competence and a call to service. Represented by the deputy governor, he said, “This inauguration reflects our determination to reposition sports as a vital force for youth development and state pride.” Otti highlighted the importance of sports in providing opportunities for talent discovery and global exposure, but stressed that talent alone is not sufficient without proper structure, investment, and management. “Talent must be backed by effective administration and strategic investment. That is the responsibility of this board,” he added. He assured stakeholders of continued government support through infrastructure development, grassroots initiatives, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystem.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, urged the board members to be proactive and innovative, noting that government alone cannot fund sports development. He charged them to leverage their experience and networks to attract sponsorships and create sustainable funding channels. “Be a catalyst for change, not a spectator,” he said, adding, “The success of this sector depends on your ability to act decisively.” Ananaba also emphasised accountability, warning that associations would be assessed based on their performance, including athlete development, competitions organised and overall impact. “The era of inactive associations is over. Results will be the benchmark,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bernard Ezeama, commended the state government for what he described as visible progress in the sports sector, noting that Abia is a growing force in Nigeria’s sports landscape.
He, however, urged the new board members to remain committed and build on existing achievements, saying, “The transformation in Abia’s sports sector is becoming a model for others. Sustaining it will require dedication and extra effort.” Ezeama further called for unity among sports associations, stressing that collaboration would strengthen the entire system.
The Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, revealed that several coaches from Abia State have been appointed as national coaches, a development he attributed to Governor Otti’s commitment to sports development. He urged the board to intensify grassroots talent discovery to sustain these achievements. Speaking on behalf of the board members, Chief Sampson Anaga, Chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, pledged their readiness to deliver results, attract investment, and justify the confidence placed in them. Similarly, the Chairman of the Abia State Athletics Association, Mr. Victor Okoror, praised the governor’s leadership and committed to aligning with the administration’s vision, adding that efforts would be made to unite current and former athletes to strengthen the state’s athletics programme.
The event attracted government officials, sports administrators, stakeholders, and youths, all expressing optimism that the new boards would usher in a new era of growth and excellence in Abia’s sports sector. According to the Commissioner for Sports, the board members are non‑salaried and will operate on performance‑based benchmarks to ensure accountability and results.
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