Otti Flags Off Abia’s First Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, Targets Future Champions

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has expressed hope that the first Abia State Tertiary Institutions Games will produce champions who will represent the State at national and international levels.

Declaring the 2025 Sports Fiesta open, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, highlighted that the Governor has promoted sports in the State through investment in sporting activities. While wishing the students a successful event, he stressed the significance of sporting activities for both the State and individuals, noting that this inaugural Sports Fiesta will pave the way for more successful events in future years.

In his opening remarks, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education/Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, stated that the State’s economy has been revitalised by ongoing reforms and praised Governor Alex Otti for his exemplary leadership. He also commended the approval of the first Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, describing it as a unifying initiative that brings together public and private tertiary institutions within the State. He added that Abia State has joined the global conversation, where higher institutions use sport to build character and foster global citizenship.

In her welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, said that the theme of the Sports Fiesta, ‘Compete, United and Conquer,’ captures the spirit of a new Abia, encouraging young people to challenge themselves and support one another. She emphasised that education should extend beyond the classroom, nurturing both body and mind.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, appreciated the Ministry of Tertiary Education for their strong collaboration and reiterated that every young person deserves an opportunity to shine.

A highlight of the event was the march past by participating institutions including Nigeria British University Asa, Rhema University Aba, Clifford University, St Anthony School of Nursing Science Aba, Madonna College of Health Technology Olokoro, Abia State College of Health Science and Management Technology Aba, Gregory University Uturu, Abia State University Uturu, Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu, Amadeus University Amizi, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.

Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Barrister Mrs Chinyere Okezie-Nwoko; SA to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr Chinedu Nwosu; Professor Innocent Uwa, Vice-Chancellor; Honourable Chimezie Ukaegbu; Dr I. O. Eluwa, Provost of Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu; former Mayor of Bende LGA Barrister Chijioke Nwakwo; Director of Sports, Abia State, Obioma George; SA to the Governor on Media and Public Communication, Dodoh Okafor; Acting Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Mr Francis Nwaubani; and other notable figures.