As part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the Abia State Government successfully hosted the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Abia Soccer Fest, with Aba South Local Government Area defeating Ukwa West Local Government Area in an exciting final match held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba,

Speaking during the tournament , the Governor described the tournament as a celebration of talent, unity, friendship, and the limitless potential of Abia youths.

The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu commended the participating teams for their discipline, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the competition.

According to him, the Abia Soccer Fest has once again demonstrated the unifying power of sports in promoting healthy competition, youth engagement, and community development across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

The State Chief Executive also commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their collaboration in organizing the impactful tournament. He noted that beyond football, the competition stimulated economic activities, created opportunities for local businesses and vendors, and positively engaged young people across the state.

“The tournament has equally provided a platform for football scouts and talent managers to identify emerging talents from grassroots communities,” the Governor stated.

He disclosed the commitment of the Abia State Government to sustained investment in sports infrastructure, youth development programmes, and talent discovery initiatives.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, described the tournament as “awesome,” emphasizing that it successfully encouraged massive youth participation from the grassroots level to the state finals.

Prince Nwachukwu disclosed that about 59 exceptional football talents had already been identified during the competition, revealed that arrangements had been concluded to organize exhibition matches for the selected players before international scouts, with the aim of securing opportunities for them in local and international football clubs.

He further assured that the administration of Governor Alex Otti would continue to sustain programmes aimed at promoting youth and sports development in the state.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwadinma Ananaba, described the tournament as a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to empowering youths through sports, agriculture, technology, and skill acquisition initiatives.

Sir Ananaba revealed that international scouts from France, Serbia, and the Czech Republic were expected in the state to assess outstanding players discovered during the competition, with prospects of securing professional football opportunities for them in Europe and other international clubs.

He added that several talented players had already been identified for possible recruitment into Abia-based football clubs, including Abia Warriors and other developmental teams.

In their separate remarks, the Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Dike Nwankwo, and his Aba South counterpart, Hon. Anyanwu Obialor, reiterated their councils’ commitment to sustaining grassroots sports development through continuous local competitions and youth engagement programmes.

They highlighted the abundance of football talents discovered during the competition and described the tournament as a huge success, noting that over 159 matches were played throughout the six-month-long event, also emphasized plans to expand grassroots football development initiatives to include various age-grade competitions for both male and female athletes.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Abia Soccer Fest Organizing Committee, Ide John Udeagbara, thanked God for the successful completion of the tournament and expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for the opportunity to serve.

Also, in an interview, the Secretary, Local Organizing Committee and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka appreciated Governor Alex Otti for inspiring young people to pursue sports through his youth friendly policies.

Lady Maduka congratulated all the participants in the Abia FEST and challenged them not to give up.

At the end of the keenly contested final, Aba South Local Government Area defeated Ukwa West Local Government Area 2–1 after a penalty shootout to emerge champions of the maiden Abia Soccer Fest.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of medals and trophies to the winners and outstanding participants.

Present at the event were government officials, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, stakeholders in the sports sector, and management and staff of the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as Youth and Sports Development.

The Abia State Government has inaugurated the Board of the various sports federations under the State Sports Council with a charge on members to reposition the sector as a key driver of youth development, economic growth, and state pride.

Inaugurating the boards on Wednesday, April 29th 2026, at the Indoor Hall of the Umuahia Township stadium, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti described the move as a strategic step toward revitalising sports development in the state.

Governor Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, said the event marked not just the beginning of a new administrative phase but a renewed commitment by the government to harness sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social cohesion.“This inauguration represents the renewal of our collective commitment to reposition sports as a vital driver of youth development and state pride,” he said.

The Governor congratulated the newly appointed board members, describing their selection as both a recognition of their competence and a call to service.He emphasised the transformative role of sports in society, noting that it remains a powerful platform for engaging young people and instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience.“Sports offers opportunities for talent discovery, personal development, and global exposure, especially at a time when we must provide constructive pathways for our youth,” he said.

While acknowledging the abundance of sporting talent in the state, he stressed the need for proper structure and investment.“Talent alone is not enough. It must be supported by effective administration, strategic investment, and proper management, and that is where this board comes in,” he stated.

Governor Otti assured stakeholders of government support through infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, and partnerships aimed at boosting the sports ecosystem.

In his address, the Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba urged the board members to adopt innovative and proactive approaches, noting that the government alone cannot fund sports development.Sir Ananaba described the members as individuals chosen for their influence, experience, and passion, urging them to act decisively.“Government alone cannot shoulder this burden. That is why you have been carefully selected to drive change,” he said.

“Be a catalyst, not a spectator. Use your networks to attract sponsorship, create sustainable funding streams, and open doors that only you can open.”

Sir Ananaba stressed the need for accountability and measurable outcomes.“The days of associations existing only on paper are over. You will be judged by your results, the athletes you produce, the competitions you organise, and the lives you impact,” he said.

He outlined the administration’s vision of making Abia a leading sports destination in Nigeria, noting that such progress would translate into job creation and economic growth.

Also speaking, Zonal Director of National Sports Commission, Mr Bernard Ezeama, commended the state government for what he described as visible transformation in the sports sector.

Ezeama, however, urged the newly inaugurated officials to remain committed and accountable in their roles.“There is a real transformation in Abia’s sports sector that other states are beginning to emulate,” he said.“The task ahead is enormous. You must go the extra mile to sustain and build on the progress already recorded,” he advised.

He further called for unity and collaboration among sports associations, stressing that collective success would strengthen the entire system.“When one association rises, it lifts the entire sports council,” he noted.

Also speaking, Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George said that the Abia State sports coaches have been appointed as national coaches.

Comrade George said that all this is possible because of Gov. Otti’s vision and love for sports.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated board members, Chief Sampson Anaga pledged their commitment to delivering results, assuring that they would attract investors and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Also, taekwondo specialist, Chika Chukwumerije, highlighted the transformative power of sports in creating opportunities and empowering young people, urging stakeholders to invest more in talent development and grassroots programmes.

The event drew government officials, sports administrators, stakeholders, and youths from across the state, all expressing optimism that the new board would usher in a new era of growth and excellence in Abia’s sports sector.

Abia State is set for an exciting phase of grassroots football following the successful conduct of draws and fixtures for the 2025/2026 Abia Soccer Fest (ASF) State Finals.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti at the JAAC Building Hall, Umuahia, described the tournament as more than just a sporting event, but a unifying platform for youths across the state.

Emetu commended the organisers and stakeholders for ensuring a seamless and transparent draw process, noting that the growing enthusiasm surrounding the competition underscores its increasing popularity across the 17 local government areas of the state.

He expressed optimism that this year’s edition would not only showcase exceptional football talents but also strengthen unity and social bonds among communities. The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and social development.

With fixtures now confirmed, he charged participating teams to demonstrate discipline, dedication, and a high level of sportsmanship throughout the tournament. He reminded them of their roles as ambassadors of their respective local governments and as role models to younger generations.

Emetu further urged officials and organisers to uphold professionalism to guarantee fairness, credibility, and the overall success of the competition.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Hon. Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, expressed delight at the realization of the vision to develop grassroots football in Abia. He recalled that the maiden edition of the Abia Sports Fiesta commenced in 2025, with all autonomous communities across the 17 local government areas actively participating.

According to him, the first phase of the competition, which concluded in December 2025, led to the discovery of about 60 remarkable talents at the local government level. He noted that the current stage of the tournament will feature champions from the various local governments, marking a significant progression in the competition’s structure.

He attributed the success of the initiative to the visionary leadership and commitment of Governor Alex Otti toward youth development and sports advancement in the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Abia Soccer Fest, Mr. Ude John Udeagbala, commended the governor for his sustained investment in sports development.
They emphasized that the Abia Soccer Fest is designed to create opportunities for talent discovery at the grassroots level, promote unity, and engage youths in meaningful activities.

They further noted that the competition has already instilled discipline, sportsmanship, and a sense of purpose among participants, while providing a pathway for nurturing talents capable of competing at national and international levels.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Secretary of the ASF LOC, Lady Oge Maduka, expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support, noting that it reflects the importance the government places on sports development.

She also appreciated stakeholders at the grassroots level for their contributions, adding that the Soccer Fest will enhance growth and visibility for young talents across the state.

The event, which was well attended by top government officials and key stakeholders from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, featured the official draw ceremony and the unveiling of fixtures for teams in their respective groups.

Amah Ijeoma

FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
26/03/2026