Abia State commissioner for sports and youth development, Sir Nwabilor Ananaba said the state government is not relenting in empowering its citizens through sports and tourism.
Sir Ananaba stated this in his office in Umuahia, while interacting with newsmen in preparation for the Nigerian National Volley Ball federation division 1 and 2 championship face 2 2024 which Abia State will host at Umuahia township stadium.
He charged Abia youth to continue to work hard, train hard and perform well in sporting competitions promising that the Governor is willing to support any athlet that performs well and reward them if they do well for Abia State.
The commissioner added that soon Abia would be on top in terms of sports and tourism and would want to be the best in the country.
He said that the state is excited to welcome the whole nation in Abia, stressing that the Governor is doing well in all the sectors including sports which is now attracting people to come to Abia for national events.
According to Ananaba, the State has prepared well because Governor Alex Otti approved the renovation of the indoor sports hall which is in a deep top shape looking like an international stage. He stated that the coaches have done a remarkable job in terms of impacting the young ones who are ready to participate in the game.
The state director of sports, comrade Obioma George said the state is expecting nineteen states from Thursday 10th October to be in Umuahia, to commence officially on 11th October, 2024.
He revealed that things were at stand still in the sports sector, but the coming of Otti turned things for better. The director stated that the Governor has shown interest in sports sector and the result is showing just like the Abia State secondary school games which made much impact.
He reaffirned the state Governor’s resolve including the commissioner for sports to develop all sporting competitions about which is thirty six in the State.
Also speaking, an international refree of Nigeria volley ball federation and the first vice chairman of the association, Mohammed Mohammed expressed happiness to be in Abia that is hosting the Nigeria volley ball federation division 1 and 2 national league 2024 that will take place from 10th to 20th October, 2024. He promised that the refrees would ensure good officiating and charged the players to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to grow in their career.
While disclosing that some players see sports as a leisure, Mohammed noted that others see sports as a venture and career to become firm through hard work.
He further described sports as an opportunity to empower the youth.
Mohammed maintained that the Volley ball competition would showcase players to play for their states, national team and at the international level, as well as a other step for some to be either a coach or a refree.
