A total of 1,000 students from public and private tertiary institutions in Abia State are expected to participate in 26 sporting events at the maiden Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, organised by the Ministry of Tertiary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
The four-day event, scheduled to hold from 25th to 28th November 2025, will also feature the formal unveiling of the “New Abia Pioneers Club,” a value-orientation platform designed to promote excellence, discipline, and positive alternatives to cultism and drug abuse among young people.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Old Secretariat Building, Ogurube Layout Umuahia, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the initiative as a landmark intervention by the present administration aimed at revitalising extracurricular activities and strengthening sports culture across tertiary institutions in the state.
Prof. Uche noted that the Sports Fiesta is not designed as a routine competition but as a vibrant festival that will unite students, groom new sporting talents, and reinforce the New Abia mindset on campuses.
“We call it a Sports Fiesta because it will go beyond the traditional competitive games. It will be a festival, an activity to celebrate sports, celebrate sportspeople, and identify new talents,” she said.
She observed that students in tertiary institutions rely heavily on NUGA Games, which are infrequent and often hosted far outside the state, leaving many students with limited sporting opportunities.
“We have secondary school sports and children’s sports, but what is happening at the tertiary level?” she queried.
Prof. Uche expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for giving swift and enthusiastic approval to the festival, stating that his action reflects the administration’s strong passion for youth development, holistic education, and talent discovery.
“This programme reflects an inclusive approach to education. It removes barriers between teacher and student, male and female because on the field of play, everyone is equal,” she added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, disclosed that the events will hold across three major venues in Umuahia. Track and field activities will take place at the Umuahia Township Stadium, football matches at Ibeku High School, and lawn tennis games at the Ridge Club.
Sir Ananaba described the Sports Fiesta as a strategic continuation of the State Government’s youth empowerment agenda. He recalled that the present administration had earlier launched the Secondary School Unity Games, and that extending the programme to tertiary institutions completes a structured youth talent-development pipeline from the secondary to the tertiary level.
“A few years ago, we introduced the Secondary School Unity Games to catch them young, provide structure, and nurture athletes to represent Abia at state, national and international levels. His Excellency has now extended this empowerment initiative to tertiary institutions so we can identify and groom the next generation of stars,” he said.
He further disclosed that the fiesta will feature 26 different sports, making it one of the most extensive multi-sport events in the region, and emphasised that the Ministry is committed to giving visibility to less-popular sports.
“We also want to make sure that other sports that are not popular become popular. Sports is not just recreation, it is business, and it is a tool for youth engagement,” he noted.
Sir Ananaba added that the Ministry has submitted recommendations for additional sports infrastructure, including the construction of an Olympic size swimming facility, to enhance aquatic sports development in the state.
Reaffirming the Governor’s commitment to sports and youth empowerment, he disclosed that Governor Alex Otti has approved ₦500,000 for each participating tertiary institution, to support athlete preparation, transportation and logistics, ensuring the full participation of all schools.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mrs Chinyere Nwogu, appreciated Governor Otti for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in approving and championing the maiden Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta, adding that his commitment to youth development, talent discovery and holistic education continues to inspire confidence and drive meaningful transformation across all tertiary institutions in the state
The Chairman, Media and Publicity of the Sports Fiesta and Acting Director General of BCA Umuahia, Mr Francis Nwaubani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, Mr Dodoh Okafor among other members of the sports fiesta committee were present during the press conference.
