The Abia State Government has said that its approach to sports development over the past three years has been deliberate, strategic, and focused on building a sustainable sporting future for the state.
This comes as Abia prepares to host the South-East Boxing Championship, which begins on Wednesday.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on the future of sports development in Abia State, organized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Obilor Ananaba, said the government has remained committed to creating opportunities for young talents to thrive.
According to him, sustainable sports development requires patience, consistency, and a step-by-step approach.
“We recognize that sustainable sports development is not achieved overnight. It is accomplished by taking one step at a time, building sports initiatives, implementing innovative ideas, and creating opportunities that will gradually transform the sporting landscape of our state,” he said.
Ananaba noted that with the continued support and funding of the Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the ministry has intensified efforts to promote grassroots sports development, identify talents, and provide pathways for young people to excel.
He said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to review progress made so far, address existing challenges, and set priorities for the future growth of sports in the state.
“We have focused on introducing young people across the state to a wide range of sporting activities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover and develop his or her natural abilities.
“Whether in boxing, athletics, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, wrestling, or other sporting disciplines, our goal is to create an environment where talent can grow and flourish,” he stated.
The commissioner further explained that Governor Otti’s commitment to development has enabled the state government to sponsor sporting activities, support athletes’ participation in competitions, strengthen grassroots programmes, and provide platforms for talent discovery and development.
“Through these initiatives, we have laid a strong foundation for future champions while promoting healthy lifestyles, discipline, and teamwork among our youths.
One of the practical steps we have taken is ensuring that competitions are organized and sponsored to aid talent discovery and development,” he added.
Ananaba disclosed that the planned inauguration of sports association boards would focus on key areas such as grassroots sports development, talent identification, training of athletes, coaches and officials, participation in competitions, partnerships with schools, communities and private organizations, as well as sponsorship, branding and fundraising strategies.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Obioma George, called on stakeholders to work collectively towards advancing sports development in the state.
“If we all sincerely join hands to promote various sports, Abia will become an enviable state in sports development in Nigeria,” he said.
George urged association chairmen and secretaries to intensify efforts in developing their respective sports and discovering hidden talents across the state.
He also announced that athletes from across the South-East had arrived in Abia for the regional boxing championship.
“As we speak, all the boxers from the South-East have arrived.
Abia State is hosting the South-East Boxing Championship, and the bouts will commence in earnest on Wednesday,” he said.
