Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says he will continue making sports development one of his topmost agenda as to enable the state remain a major player in sporting activities at the continental and global level.
Governor Otti who stated this while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, led by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau at his Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA country home, announced that plans have been concluded for the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium to make it suitable for Abia Warriors and other teams as a short term solution.
The Governor, who said that the upgrade is in the immediate term said that the architectural design for the building of a stadium city in Umuahia which will provide long term solution to sporting activities is in progress.
The State chief executive while describing football and sports in general as a uniting factor, added that governance and leadership is all about impacting on the people positively.
He acknowledged the support that his administration is receiving from the NFF and assured that Abia State Government would sustain its support to the body.
Governor Otti who assured that he would do his best to ensure that Abia remains on top in various sporting activities used the opportunity to congratulate President Bola Almed Tinubu on the recent performance of the Super Falcons.
Speaking earlier, the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau their visit was to congratulate Governor Otti over his support for sports development in the State, described Abia as the home of football in Nigeria.
He recalled that the State has won African continental competitions back to back, adding that the history of sports in Nigeria cannot be complete without a mention of the state.
While acknowledging that Abia Warriors football Club under Governor Otti is one of 3 top clubs in Nigeria, the NFF President requested the fixing of the Umuahia township stadium and promised to provide the needed technical support to ensure the stadium bounces back.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Chairman Abia Warriors Football club, Mr John Obuh among other stakeholders in the sporting industry were present at the visit.
