ABIA – The maiden Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta has ended with Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, emerging the overall winner.
The four-day sporting fiesta, organised by the Ministry of Tertiary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, brought together students from public and private tertiary institutions across the state.
Declaring the event closed at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Alex Otti described the Fiesta as a bold demonstration of his administration’s commitment to restoring vibrancy to the state’s tertiary education system, describing sports as a powerful tool for talent discovery, capacity building and social cohesion.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, noted his administration’s determination to create platforms that allow young people to thrive and emphasised that the Sports Fiesta aligns with the government’s broader vision of raising a new generation of disciplined, confident and productive young citizens whose values reflect the New Abia mindset.
The State Chief Executive assured that his administration will continue to invest in modern sporting infrastructure, youth-development programmes and partnerships that support well-rounded learning and congratulated the overall winner of the sports fiesta as well as enjoined other teams to work harder in order to emerge winners in the next edition.
In her speech, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the Sports Fiesta as a landmark intervention by the present administration, designed to revitalise extracurricular activities and rebuild a rich sports culture across tertiary institutions. She stressed that the festival was conceptualised not merely as a competition but as a unifying celebration capable of grooming future champions for national and international stages.
Prof. Uche thanked Governor Otti for granting speedy approval to the initiative, stating that his support reflects the government’s passion for holistic education, youth empowerment and talent discovery.
In his address, the Chairman Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, disclosed that the Fiesta was hosted across three major venues, track and field events at the Umuahia Township Stadium, football matches at Ibeku High School, and lawn tennis at the Ridge Club and commended the athletes for their discipline and the organising committee for delivering a well-coordinated event.
He further lauded the participating institutions for their enthusiasm and competitive spirit, noting that the smooth execution of the Fiesta demonstrates Abia’s readiness to reclaim its leadership position in collegiate sports.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, Ceremonial Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mrs Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, appreciated the Governor, participating institutions, volunteers and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition. He expressed optimism that the Fiesta will continue to expand and inspire greater participation in future editions.
The event which featured presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the overall winner, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, second position to Gregory University Uturu and third position to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, also attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, Rector, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, Dr Christopher Okoro Kalu, Acting DG BCA and Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the sports Fiesta, Mr Francis Nwaubani, Heads of Tertiary institutions across the state, sports enthusiasts among other distinguished personalities.
