Abia Introduces First-Ever Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta To Unite Students, Build Skills, Shape New Mindset (Video)

Abia State is set to witness a historic milestone in youth and educational development as the Ministry of Tertiary Education announces the first-ever Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, November 25th, at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Speaking during the unveiling, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, described the initiative as a transformational step toward youth engagement, sports development, and mindset reorientation in line with the vision of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.

According to her, the event is not designed as a conventional medal-driven sports contest, but rather a festival-style celebration of talent, culture, unity, and physical development.

“This is not just a traditional games competition where everyone fights for medals,” she stated. “It is a festival a platform to celebrate sportsmanship, discover talents, build values, and unite our students and institutions under one common purpose.”

Prof. Eme emphasized that sports and extracurricular platforms have gradually disappeared across campuses due to academic pressure, poor recreational culture, and lecture congestion a trend she said has affected student interaction, creativity, and psychological balance.

“There was a time sports brought students and lecturers together we danced, played and bonded. Today, that gap is gone, replaced by fear, intimidation, and rigid academic structure. This fiesta will restore that sense of community.”

The Commissioner revealed that Governor Otti has approved ₦500,000 participation support for every tertiary institution, including polytechnics, monotechnics, and private universities in the state a gesture she described as proof of equity and inclusive governance.

“Whether you are Abia State University or a private tertiary institution, you will receive the same support. This government recognizes the role of all institutions in building the New Abia.”

The fiesta will feature 26 sporting categories, including mainstream and less-popular events such as athletics, football, long jump, swimming, table tennis, and more — ensuring wider talent diversification.

Prof. Eme noted that while Nigerian University Games (NUGA) remain important, their limited accessibility has prevented many Abia students from exposure and participation.

“Many of our students do not feel NUGA because it takes place far from home. This fiesta fills that gap and helps us discover new talents who can represent Abia at national and international levels.”

A major highlight of the fiesta is the launch of the New Abia Pioneers’ Club, a youth leadership platform designed to combat cultism, drug abuse, and negative campus culture while promoting discipline, ethics, creativity, self-discovery, and positive peer influence.

“If they can play, dance, create, and belong to something meaningful, they will not seek relevance in cult groups or destructive circles,” the Commissioner stressed.

Organizers confirmed that accommodation, medical services, transportation logistics, and security arrangements are fully in place to guarantee a safe and successful festival.

“Everything is ready, the stadium, medical teams, security agencies, and facilitators,” she confirmed. “His Excellency will personally declare the event open.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, speaking with emotion, applauded Governor Otti for approving the initiative and praised the central organizing committee, press, and supporting ministries for swift collaboration.

“This is history, the first of its kind in Abia,” she noted. “We are excited, grateful, and confident this will shape a new culture in our tertiary institutions.”

The four-day sports fiesta is expected to attract thousands of young athletes, campus communities, talent scouts, stakeholders, and sports enthusiasts across the state.