The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development and talent discovery as sports associations across the state unveiled ambitious plans aimed at transforming Abia into a leading sporting destination in Nigeria.
The commitment was reiterated during a strategic meeting convened by the Abia State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Umuahia, where chairmen and secretaries of various sports associations presented development roadmaps for their respective sports.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr. Obioma George, charged sports associations to align with the government’s vision by clearly defining their goals and strategies for sports development.
According to him, collaboration among stakeholders remains key to unlocking the state’s vast sporting potential.
“Sports associations are expected to let us know their direction and what they expect to achieve for the state and also receive guidance from the state government on the way forward.
“If we all can sincerely join hands together for different sports, I tell you that Abia will be an enviable state in the development of sports in Nigeria,” George said.
He urged association chairmen and secretaries to intensify efforts in discovering and nurturing talents across the state, noting that Abia had already established itself as a leader in several sporting disciplines.
George highlighted recent achievements, including the successful hosting of the South-East Shooting Competition, Scrabble Competition, and the ongoing South-East Boxing Championship in Umuahia.
He further disclosed that the state would host the Nigerian Para Powerlifting Federation Championship in August, while arrangements were also underway to host a national weightlifting competition.
“The present government has developed so many sports in this state. They are no longer in a state of slumber, but they are now cruising,” he said.
The Director also emphasized the importance of documentation and athlete development, revealing that associations had been directed to compile records of talents identified across the state.
“As we speak, only 20 sports have complied with the directive to submit names and progress reports of identified athletes. Others must sit up because sports is all about timing,” he warned.
George further announced the introduction of a Diploma Programme in Sports Administration at Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, describing it as the first of its kind in Abia and the South-East region.
“The idea is simple: do your sports and go to school. Get the requisite certificate to back your profession,” he said, adding that plans were also underway to introduce coaching certification courses.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the meeting was designed to review progress made in the sports sector, address existing challenges, and chart a sustainable path for future growth.
Ananaba noted that sports development formed a critical component of Governor Alex Otti’s vision for youth and human capital development.
“When His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, presented his manifesto to the people of Abia State, one of the key focus areas was youth development and human capital development,” he said.
He explained that the ministry had adopted a deliberate and strategic approach over the last three years, focusing on grassroots development, talent discovery, athlete support, and broader participation in sports.
“Our objective is simple, to discover talent early, nurture it properly, and provide pathways for our young people to excel in sports and contribute meaningfully to society,” Ananaba stated.
The commissioner said the ministry had expanded opportunities for young people to participate in sports such as boxing, athletics, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and wrestling.
He also called on sports associations to develop clear plans covering grassroots development, athlete training, competition participation, partnerships, sponsorship and fundraising.
“Sports development is capital-intensive and cannot be left solely for government to fund. We expect associations to attract sponsorships, promote their sports and create sustainable pathways for athlete development,” he added.
Presenting the roadmap of the Abia State Badminton Association, its Chairman, Mr. Abel Sunday, outlined plans to strengthen governance structures, expand grassroots participation and promote inclusivity through para-badminton programmes.
Sunday said the association was determined to make Abia the badminton and para-badminton hub of Africa.
“We want a situation where no person living with disability is left behind. Anybody who is disabled has a category in para-badminton, and we are determined to identify, train and empower them for the future,” he said.
He revealed plans to establish a badminton and para-badminton development hub equipped with modern facilities, while targeting 5,000 active badminton participants and 500 para-badminton athletes by 2030.
The Chairman of the Abia State Tennis Association, Chief Samson Anaga, pledged the association’s commitment to developing tennis talents capable of representing the state and country at national and international levels.
Anaga hinted that plans were underway to host a South-East tennis championship and stressed the importance of using sports as a tool to promote the image of the state globally.
Representing the Chairman of the Abia State Para Powerlifting Association, Mr. John Nwosu disclosed that two Abia athletes were currently in national camp preparing for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold in Scotland later this year.
Nwosu also announced plans for a major open championship in Umuahia in August and assured the state government of the association’s readiness to sustain its tradition of excellence.
“One assurance I’m giving the Honourable Commissioner and stakeholders is that we will not disappoint you. We are already reaching out for partnerships and support, even from the international community,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the Abia State Basketball Association, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoro, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at repositioning basketball in the state.
According to him, the strategy focuses on grassroots talent development, competitive leagues, infrastructure development and international partnerships.
“Our vision is to build a vibrant basketball ecosystem that nurtures talents from the grassroots to elite levels while creating pathways for athletes to compete nationally and internationally,” Okoro said.
He announced plans for basketball development camps in partnership with the United States-based Crossover Foundation, as well as quarterly training programmes across the state’s three senatorial zones.
The association also plans to establish a year-round competition calendar featuring school championships, local government tournaments, youth leagues and women’s basketball programmes.
Okoro further revealed ongoing efforts to construct basketball courts across the state and complete a hostel facility for athletes at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts between the government and sports associations would accelerate sports development, improve athlete performance and position Abia as a major sporting hub in Nigeria.
THE WHISTLER reports that the meeting ended with a renewed commitment by all associations to align with the state’s sports development agenda and contribute to the realization of Governor Otti’s vision for youth empowerment through sports.
(The Whistler)