The Abia Government, on Monday, launched the maiden edition of the Abia State Tertiary Institution Sports Fiesta, targeted at youth and sports development.
Speaking at a brief event marked by a torch lighting in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Gov. Alex Otti said that the event “symbolised hope, unity and the renewed spirit of the Abia youth.
“Today we gather here to light a torch, not merely of fire, but of hope, passion and youthful energy,” he said.
Otti, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, said that the games, scheduled to hold from Nov. 25 to 29, would feature 23 sporting events among 38 participating state-owned and private tertiary institutions in Abia.
He said: “As the torch travels through the 38 participating institutions in the state, both state and privately owned, it will carry with us the message of unity, discipline and excellence that defines Abia’s spirit.
“These games are more than competition.
“They are a platform for talent discovery, moral redirection and positive engagement, because through sports, our young people will find purpose, strength and teamwork, the very qualities our society needs to rise above social vices and embrace progress.”
Otti commended his Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Institutions, Dr Emeka Enyeazu, who chairs the event’s organising committee, in collaboration with the Abia State Sports Council, for his diligence and commitment.
He also announced the approval of half-a-million naira grant for any institution presenting athletes in five or more sporting events, describing the gesture as an incentive for participation and excellence.
Otti urged students to embrace teamwork, discipline and purpose through sports, adding that the games would nurture future champions who would make the state proud.
“Let every flare remind our students that greatness begins with discipline and that in each of them lies the fire to transform our state and nation.
“Let this flame burn brightly as it journeys through every institution, carrying with it our collective hope for unity, sportsmanship and a vibrant future, and also our youth culture,” he said.
In her remark, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the fiesta as an initiative of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
Uche also said that the competition aimed at fostering unity and healthy engagement among students of tertiary institutions in the state.
She also said that the event was initiated to provide a platform for students in both public and private tertiary institutions to interact and showcase their talents.
According to her, the programme underscores the inclusiveness of the present administration’s education policies.
Uche further said that the event would feature various games and competitions, designed to promote laughter, friendship and teamwork among Abia youths.
Also, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwobilor Ananaba, said that the event underscored the government’s commitment to grassroots sports development in Abia.
Ananaba said that the present administration’s vision for sports begins from the foundation level, encompassing primary and secondary schools to identify and nurture young talents.
