GOVERNOR OTTI LIGHTS TORCH OF UNITY FOR ABIA’S FIRST TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SPORTS FIESTA

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has performed the symbolic lighting of the Torch of Unity and Peace to officially flag off the maiden edition of the Abia State Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, 2025.

The brief ceremony took place on Monday at the Governor’s country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti announced that the sports fiesta will hold from November 25 to 29, 2025, featuring 23 sporting events across 38 participating tertiary institutions in the state.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth and sports development, Governor Otti said the event symbolises hope, unity, and the renewed spirit of Abia youths.

> “Today we gather to light a torch, not just of fire, but of hope, passion, and youthful energy.
As it travels through the 38 participating institutions, it will carry the message of unity, discipline, and excellence that defines the Abian spirit.
These games are more than competition; they are a platform for talent discovery, moral redirection, and positive engagement,” he stated.



Governor Otti commended his Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Institutions, Dr. Emeka Enyeazu, who chairs the event’s organising committee in collaboration with the Abia State Sports Council, for his dedication and diligence.

He also announced a ₦500,000 grant for any institution presenting athletes in five or more sporting events, describing the incentive as a reward for participation and excellence.

The Governor encouraged students to uphold teamwork, discipline, and purpose through sports, noting that the fiesta will help nurture future champions who will make the state proud.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, said the event, an initiative of her ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, aims to promote unity, friendship, and healthy engagement among students in both public and private tertiary institutions.

She described the programme as a reflection of the inclusive nature of the present administration’s education policy, emphasizing that the games will offer opportunities for students to interact, showcase their talents, and build lasting relationships.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, said the fiesta demonstrates the government’s commitment to grassroots sports development. He explained that the administration’s sports vision begins at the foundational level, primary and secondary schools, and has now been extended to tertiary institutions to further promote youth engagement and talent growth.

The Torch of Unity will now embark on a tour of all participating tertiary institutions in the state before returning to the Umuahia Township Stadium for the main event.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Dr. Emeka Enyeazu, and the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, among others.