The Abia State Government has inaugurated the boards of various sports federations under the State Sports Council, charging members to reposition the sector as a key driver of youth employment, development, and economic growth.
Inaugurating the boards on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the revitalisation of sports is a strategic step toward youth development and cohesion.
Governor Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said the inauguration of the sports federation boards was a tool for youth empowerment in Abia State.
Otti emphasised the transformative role of sports in Nigerian society, noting that it remains a powerful platform for engaging young people and instilling unity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
In his address, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the Abia State Government cannot continue to fund sports activities alone.
He warned association executives against unproductivity and redundancy, saying that days of existing only on paper were over.
Also speaking, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the Abia State Government’s investment in the sports sector had resulted in the appointment of coaches from the state in national sports associations.
