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The Commissioner for Tertiary Education in Abia State, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, has emphasised the urgent need to revive sporting activities across tertiary institutions in the state.
Addressing journalists during a press conference at the Old Secretariat in Umuahia on Thursday, 20 November 2025, she said the forthcoming sports fiesta which begins 25 November 2025, is designed to celebrate athletes and identify talented youths across various sporting fields.
Describing young people as individuals filled with vigour and exuberance, she explained that, in line with the vision of the Alex Otti administration, the fiesta aims to unite talented athletes from different tertiary institutions and build a formidable sporting force for the state, the nation, and the international community.
She said, “It is worthy of note that the theme of this fiesta is to Unite and to Conquer. This event seeks to bring together students, lecturers, and heads of departments from tertiary institutions.”
Recalling her university days when sports and extracurricular activities formed part of the academic curriculum, the Commissioner regretted that many tertiary institutions no longer create time for sporting activities, adding that students now attend classes even on Sundays.
Prof. Eme disclosed that the sports fiesta, to be organised by the Abia State Government, aims to ensure that sporting activities go hand in hand with academic work in both public and private institutions.
She also revealed that Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting the governor’s deep interest in the wellbeing and growth of children and young people.
According to her, the governor has approved an encouraging incentive package for staff of public and private universities, and has commended the contributions of private institutions to the development of Abia State.
“This development will engage youths positively and shift their attention away from activities that are harmful to their development,” she said.
She added that the event would accommodate public and private institutions, including monotechnics, polytechnics, and universities.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports in Abia State, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Tertiary Education, seeks to steer young people away from the streets and guide them towards self-development through the empowerment scheme.
He explained that the programme was conceived to groom new sporting stars as older athletes retire, ensuring that Abia continues to produce ambassadors who will represent the state nationally and internationally.
He further stated that the empowerment initiative envisions integrating secondary school athletes with those in tertiary institutions.
Mr Ananaba noted that the state does not intend to rely solely on traditional sporting events but is committed to promoting non-regular sports through the fiesta.
He disclosed that the government has also approved a grant of ₦500,000 for tertiary institutions that register their students for the empowerment programme, to support their welfare, including feeding and accommodation.
Speaking on infrastructure challenges, he stated that the government is currently facing some difficulties regarding sporting facilities and has presented these concerns to Governor Chiọma Otti.
He commended Dr Otti for past support that has helped advance the ministry’s vision.
On the commencement of the sports fiesta, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development announced that all preparations have been finalised for the event scheduled for 25 November 2025, and that Governor Otti will be present to officially launch the empowerment programme.
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