Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has charged the Abia team to the NDDC 2025 Sports Festival, holding in Uyo, to excel in the tournament, assuring them of the full support of his administration.
Gov. Otti made this charge on Friday when he received the NDDC 2025 Sports Festival Torch, shortly after arrival in the state from Imo state.
The Governor referred to the torch as a symbol of unity and light, and congratulated the Abia team in advance, expressing his confidence that they would win the sports festival and return home with the trophy.
“Let me start by congratulating you, because I can see that you are champions already, even before the games start. I want to thank you for bringing this torch here. It’s a symbol of unity; it is a symbol of light, and Abia stands for light. I also want to thank the NDDC for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, where the nine states under the NDDC will compete,” the Governor stated.
Dr. Otti further assured the athletes of the state’s unwavering support, stating, “When you return with the trophy, we will celebrate you. So, on behalf of the good people of Abia State and the government, I congratulate you in advance and wish you well.”
Earlier, while presenting the torch to Governor Otti, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, expressed gratitude to the governor over his untiring efforts at developing sports in the state.
He also commended the NDDC for organizing the tournament, and explained that the sports festival commenced at the local government level, and has progressed through zonal and State levels.
According to him, this has ultimately led to the selection of athletes who would represent the States at the tournament in Uyo.
Sir Ananaba added that through the sports festival, the NDDC States are making a unified declaration to harness and develop sports talents in the region.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. George Obioma, Director of the Abia State Sports Council, thanked the Governor for his significant contributions to the sports sector, adding that this has led to remarkable achievements, including the recent qualification of the Abia State Under-15 handball team for a tournament in Spain.
“I sincerely thank you, Sir, for all you have done for the Abia State sports family. We are happy and grateful, and we will always remain grateful,” he stated.
“Just yesterday (March 27), history was made in Abia. You approved for the Handball Federation of Nigeria to come to Abia, and we hosted them. The Abia Under-15 handball teams – both male and female won the trophies, marking the first time in this State’s history that the under-15 teams will be preparing to represent Nigeria in Spain,” Mr. Obioma added.
He also thanked Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise of providing a coaster bus for the Council, which have now made movement easier for them as they carry out their activities.
The sports festival is set to begin on April 2nd in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Other Government officials present at the event included the Hon. Commissioner for Science & Technology, Hon. David Kalu, Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuruibe, Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Chibueze Nwokocha, and the Governor’s Special Assistant on Youth, Comr. Onyebuchi Chukwu, among others.
