The 2025 edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games has officially commenced at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with more than 1,000 student-athletes from public and private secondary schools across the 17 local government areas of the state participating.
The week-long sporting festival is being organized by the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, under the theme: “Celebrate the Power of Diversity, Beauty of Culture, and Unstoppable Drive of True Champions.”
Flagging off the event on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Njaba, emphasized the administration’s commitment to building future leaders through sports. He described the Unity Games as a strategic platform for not only nurturing sporting talents but also developing the youth physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“Sports today is a global industry. It’s not just for fun. Our goal is to produce champions who will represent Abia and Nigeria across the world,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed delight at the return of vibrant school sports in the state. He said that under the current administration, significant strides have been made in reviving grassroots sports through various initiatives such as a state-wide sports sensitization tour, introduction of two hours of compulsory physical education weekly, inter-house sports, and the Unity Games.
“Before Governor Otti came in, sports had nearly disappeared in schools. But today, Abia is back on the global sports map. Our students are winning medals and representing the country with pride,” Ananaba said.
He further revealed that Abia is set to host two major continental events: the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship, both scheduled for September 30 to October 12, 2025, in Umuahia. These will mark the first-ever Para Badminton tournaments in West Africa.
In his welcome address, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, appreciated Governor Otti for his unwavering support to sports and education. He highlighted key benefits of school sports including unity, discipline, health, and international opportunities. He also listed some of the administration’s broader achievements — including free and compulsory education, infrastructural upgrades, road rehabilitation, job creation, and anti-corruption reforms.
The Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, also lauded the Governor for making sports a top agenda and declared Abia as a rising sports tourism hub in Nigeria.
The grand opening featured a parade of participating schools, cultural displays by the Abia State Arts Council, and a war dance performance that thrilled the crowd. Students from all 17 LGAs proudly marched past, representing the spirit of unity and excellence that the games promote.
Dignitaries in attendance included:
Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba – Commissioner for Sports
Chief Cyril Nwaigwe – Permanent Secretary
Mazi Okorafor – SA on Monitoring & Evaluation
Dr. Ruben – SSA on Transport
Prof. Njamole – SSA on Environment
Dr. George Chidozie – SSA on Special Duties
Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas – SA on Vulnerable Groups & Poverty Alleviation
Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu – SA on Youth Development
The 2025 Unity Games will run until Friday, August 1, and are being streamed live on ABN TV, ensuring wide access to the thrilling displays of athletic talent and youthful energy emerging from across the state.
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