The 2nd edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games has ended, with Team Ikwuano Local Government Area emerging overall champion.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Unity Games held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, expressed joy that many young talents have been discovered and empowered through sports as a result of the strategic excellence plan his administration put in place two years ago.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while describing sports as a great unifying factor, emphasized that governance and leadership is all about impacting the lives of the people positively.
The State Chief Executive who reaffirmed his administration’s determination and commitment to the total development of Abia youths, also congratulated the participants for giving in their best during the games, adding that the competition could serve as a stepping stone to their stardom.
In his address, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, explained that the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games is not merely a sports jamboree but a platform for sports excellence, stressed the need to nurture identified young talents to participate in the forthcoming National Youth Games in Asaba, where outstanding performers will be listed as invited junior athletes for next year’s National Sports Festival.
Sir Ananaba reiterated the present administration’s determination to ensure that all identified young talents become professionals who will represent the state locally and internationally, also emphasized the need for schools to take more seriously the two-hour weekly Physical and Health Education in their curriculum.
The Sports Commissioner further explained that the 100,000 dollars award, house and national honors conferred on each of the Super Falcons should serve as a wake-up call to all sportsmen and women, pointing out that sports have evolved from being merely recreational to becoming a gold mine. He appreciated Governor Alex Otti, his ministry, LGA Mayors, and the organizing team for their support and commitment toward the success of the Games.
In their separate remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Chibuike Nwaigwe, and the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, thanked Governor Alex Otti for his sustained commitment to reviving and promoting sporting activities across secondary schools in the state. They encouraged everyone to make sports a part of their daily lives.
The closing ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games, which featured the presentation of the gold trophy and medals to the winning team—Ikwuano LGA, silver to the second-place team—Umunneochi LGA, and bronze to the third-place team—Umuahia North LGA, also attracted the presence of the Member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Chief Roland Chinwendu, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, his Science and Technology counterpart, Mr. David Kalu, Ikwuano LGA Mayor, Dr Anthony Nwaubani, his Isiala Ngwa South counterpart, Mr Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, aides to the Governor, major stakeholders in the sports sector, among other distinguished personalities.
