Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating opportunities for young people to excel, particularly through sports.
He made this known during the draw for the Abia Soccer Fest (ASF) 2025/2026 State Finals, held at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor described the tournament as a clear reflection of his vision to discover talents, promote discipline, and encourage healthy competition among youths.
Otti noted that the successful conduct of the draw marks the official commencement of what is expected to be an exciting and competitive tournament. He urged participating teams to prepare thoroughly, compete fairly, and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
He also commended the organisers for ensuring a transparent and credible draw process, reminding players that beyond winning, they serve as ambassadors of their local government areas and role models to aspiring young athletes.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, revealed that about 60 promising talents have already been identified from the competition, which began at the ward level and progressed through the local governments to the state stage. He expressed confidence that many of the players would attract interest from football clubs both within and outside Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, described the draw as a key milestone in preparations for the state finals. He highlighted the enthusiasm recorded in the earlier stages and called for continued excellence, fair play, and sportsmanship as the competition advances. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to initiatives that empower youths, develop talent, and position Abia as a centre for sporting excellence.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ide John Udeagbala, explained that the tournament was designed to discover grassroots talents, promote unity, and positively engage young people. He disclosed that over 100 matches have been played across the 17 local government areas, with top teams qualifying for the state finals.
Udeagbala expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his strong support for youth development and grassroots sports, as well as to the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development for his guidance. He assured that the LOC would deliver a well-organised, fair, and memorable state final.
In her contribution, the LOC Secretary and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, commended the governor’s vision for youth empowerment and praised the committee members for their dedication and coordination. She urged participating teams to play with discipline, passion, and responsibility, noting that the tournament offers not just a chance to win, but also an opportunity for growth and exposure.
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