Otti Flags Off Maiden Abia Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, Says Event Will Produce Future Champions (Photos + Video)

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed confidence that the maiden edition of the Abia State Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta will serve as a grooming ground for future national and international champions.

Declaring the event officially open, Governor Otti represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu said his administration has continued to invest in sporting infrastructure and programmes to encourage youth development, build unity, and promote healthy competition across the state.

According to him, the Sports Fiesta marks a major step in institutionalising sporting activities in Abia’s higher education sector, adding that the initiative will strengthen talent discovery and foster a culture of excellence.

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“This Sports Fiesta is not just a competition but a platform that will inspire and raise champions who will represent Abia at national and global sporting events,” he said.

He congratulated participating schools and urged students to demonstrate discipline, respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Emeka Enyiazu, commended Governor Otti for approving the event, describing it as a unifying programme for the tertiary education sector.

He noted that the ongoing economic and governance reforms in the state have revitalized major sectors, including education and sports, adding that Abia has now joined the global trend of using sports as a tool to foster character building, unity, and cross-institutional collaboration.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, said the theme of the event, “Compete, Unite and Conquer”, reflects the emerging identity of excellence and resilience among Abia youths.

She stressed that education must extend beyond academic learning to include skill development, creativity, physical fitness, and teamwork.

“Sports develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership. This fiesta is part of building a complete learner in the new Abia,” she added.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended the collaboration between ministries and reiterated that every young person deserves a platform to excel.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was a colourful march past by participating institutions, including:

1) Nigeria British University, Asa

2) Rhema University, Aba

3) Clifford University

4) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

5) Gregory University, Uturu

6) Abia State University, Uturu

7) Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro

8) Abia State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Aba

9) Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu

10) Amadeus University, Amizi

11) St. Anthony School of Nursing Science, Aba

Top government officials, education administrators, and sports stakeholders attended the event, including:

Barr. Mrs. Chinyere Okezie-Nwoko, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education

Mr. Chinedu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs

Professor Innocent Uwa, Vice-Chancellor

Honourable Chimezie Ukaegbu

Dr. I. O. Eluwa, Provost, ASCETA

Former Mayor of Bende, Barr. Chijioke Nwakwo

Obioma George, Director of Sports, Abia State

Dodoh Okafor, SA to the Governor on Media and Public Communication

Mr. Francis Nwaubani, Acting Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State

The sports fiesta features athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, track and field events, and other competitions among the tertiary institutions.

The competition continues throughout the week, with winners expected to receive medals and recognition from the state government.