Otti Applauds Students as Abia First Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta Crowns MOUAU Winner

The Governor, Alex Otti, expressed pride in all the participants of the Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, hoping that the experience gained during the festival will continue to serve as a guiding light throughout their lives, emphasising that sport is a uniting force that should never be lost.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at Umuahia Township Stadium the venue of the first Abia State Tertiary Institutions Games, he applauded the participants for being part of the Sports Fiesta, expressing hope that more will join. He assured his administration’s commitment to investing in modern sporting infrastructure and fostering well-rounded support partnerships in learning.

Declaring the four-day event close on Saturday, he reaffirmed his willingness to create platforms that allow young people to thrive and to propel them onto national and international stages.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, commended Governor Otti for quickly approving the programme, which reflects his passion for youth development, aligned with discipline, education, and talent discovery. She stated that the purpose of the Sports Fiesta was not only to unite public and private institutions but also to nurture future champions.

Contributing, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, praised the athletes for their enthusiasm and competitive spirit, and commended the organisers for delivering a well-coordinated event. He stated that future events would be even better.

The Abia State Council of SUG Presidents, led by Nurse Chukwuemeka Daddy Jackson, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Ministry of Tertiary Education for organising the event, hoping that more initiatives of this scale will be introduced.

In appreciation, Mrs Chinyere Okezie-Nwoko, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Chairperson of the Ceremonial Committee, praised the Governor, the institutions, and the students who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies to the team captains: Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, received a prize of 5 million naira, Gregory University, Uturu, 3 million naira, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, 2 million naira.

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, emerged as the overall champions, securing 51 Gold, 30 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals, totalling 87 medals. Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) claimed 2nd place with 45 Gold, 11 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals (total 64), while Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic finished in 3rd place with 31 Gold, 16 Silver, and 24 Bronze medals, making a total of 71 medals.

Present at the event were the Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Mathew Ekwuribe; Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Dr Christopher Okoro Kalu; Acting Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, Mr Francis Nwaubani; Director of Sports, George Obioma, Chancellor Agwu U. Agwu; and other notable figures.