Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to a modern standard, making it fit for Abia Warriors Football Club to use in the interim. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of a world-class Stadium City in Umuahia as a long-term solution to the state’s sporting infrastructure challenges.
Governor Otti made this known while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, at the Government House, Umuahia.
“Not too long ago, I gave approval to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium and make it what a stadium should be. In the short term, we’ll transform it into a standard facility suitable for league matches. But our long-term plan is the Abia Stadium City project,” Otti stated.
He explained that the land for the Stadium City has already been acquired, with design work underway. According to him, the project goes beyond a sports arena, encompassing a full-scale complex that includes an entertainment village, plazas, a conference center, and residential apartments.
“Football and sports generally bring joy to people, and governance is about making people happy. We’re committed to doing everything possible to ensure Abia remains a top sporting state in the country,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the recent performance of the Super Falcons and noted that Abia indigenes who were part of the team would be specially honored by the state government.
Earlier, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised Governor Otti for his commitment to sports development in Abia and Nigeria. He described the state as a football powerhouse, citing the historic back-to-back continental victories by Enyimba FC.
“Abia has made historic contributions to Nigerian football. No story of the sport in this country is complete without mentioning this state. Under your leadership, Abia Warriors is now one of the top three clubs in Nigeria. I urge you to continue your support for the game,” Gusau said.
He also appealed to the Governor to prioritize the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium, assuring that the NFF would provide technical assistance to ensure it meets the required standards.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Abia State Football Association, Rev. Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala, thanked Governor Otti for his strides in sports and public service. He particularly appreciated the Governor for clearing 25 out of the 26 months’ salary arrears owed to staff of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), a gesture he said demonstrated the Governor’s people-centered approach to governance.
The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; the Chairman of Abia Warriors FC; and other dignitaries.
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