Maiden Abia Tertiary Sports Fiesta Kicks Off Nov 25th As Athletes Battle For Honours In 26 Games

 

The Abia State Government has announced plans for the maiden Tertiary Institutions Sports Games, a multi-sport festival involving universities, polytechnics, Monotechnics, and other higher institutions across the state. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the newly refurbished Old Workers’ Secretariat in Umuahia.

Addressing journalists, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the event as a historic initiative designed not merely as a competition, but as a statewide sports festival aimed at celebrating talent, promoting unity, and advancing youth development. She noted that the 26 featured sporting events were carefully selected to revive extracurricular engagement among students, which she said had waned in recent years due to academic pressure and the decline of campus-based sports culture.

Prof. Uche explained that the Games reflect the vision of the “New Abia” under Governor Alex Otti, providing a productive channel for young people while fostering discipline, collaboration, and institutional cohesion. She added that the government has approved equal stipends for all participating institutions, regardless of ownership, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the fiesta.

The commissioner also announced the forthcoming launch of the New Abia Pioneers Club, a youth-centered movement intended to instill positive values, curb cultism, and shape a generation committed to excellence and civic responsibility.

“This fiesta builds on earlier youth initiatives such as the secondary school unity games,” she said, noting that the event will help groom athletes capable of competing in national and international tournaments, including NUGA and other university championships.

Speaking on logistics, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, confirmed that arrangements for accommodation, security, medical support, and venues have been finalized. While acknowledging that some infrastructures, such as facilities for aquatic sports, are still undergoing development, he revealed that a proposal for an Olympic-sized swimming pool has been submitted to strengthen future competitions.

Ananaba also disclosed that Governor Otti has approved ₦500,000 for each participating institution to support logistics and athlete preparation. Events will be hosted across multiple locations including the Umuahia Township Stadium, Ibeku High School, and Umuahia Ridge Club.

The four-day Sports Games are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 25, with Governor Otti expected to officially flag off the festival.

Also present at the briefing were Barrister Chinyere Okezie Nwogu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, as well as representatives from the governor’s media and publicity teams, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Dodo Okafor, and Comrade Francis Nwaubani, chairman of the publicity committee.

The unveiling of the Games underscores Abia’s broader agenda of youth empowerment, institutional unity, and the revival of a vibrant sports culture across the state’s tertiary landscape.

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