– As Abia prepares Sports Managers, Athletes for sustainable worthy life after retirement

There is an indication that the Federal and Abia State Governments will, following an agreement, rehabilitate and upgrade two Nigerian Civil War Fallouts, the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both located at Umuahia, the Abia state capital and transform them into notable Tourism Centres, with revenue yielding potentials.

Both relics of the Civil War have not been given due attention and as such , have remained in state of steady rot and dilapidation.

The state Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu so informed journalists while reporting the fallouts from the weekly State Executive Council meeting, adding that the Abia State Government also approved the retrofitting of the first phase of the Arochukwu Waterfall at Ibom, in Arochukwu LGA to boost the state tourism potentials.

He said that this was part of the state government efforts to activate the state tourism potentials that would position it as a major Tourism destination in Nigeria, even as the initiative expectedly, will boost the Government’s Internally Generated Revenue and create employment opportunities.

He said” in a strategic move to boost the tourism potential of the state, the State Executive Council has approved the first phase of the retrofitting of the Arochukwu Waterfall in Ibom as part of efforts to enhance the tourism value of the waterfall as a tourist site.

“This first phase will cover the development of key visitor infrastructure and this includes entrance gates, souvenir shops, town stand, bush bar, and convenience facilities to improve accessibility and comfort, as well as overall tourist experience for visitors,”

Other state tourismsites across the state he indicated, would be given due attention that include renovation and upgrades.

He named the Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia as one of them, disclosing that it is in line with an agreement between the state government through the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Arts, and the Federal gyovernment , to transform institutions like the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, Umuahia.

Speaking on Sports, Commissioner Kanu informed that Athletes and Sports persons, managers /administrators in Abia State are now being prepared to have a sustainable fulfilling means of livelihood after retirement following a new programme introduced by the governor Alex Otti-led Abia state government.

Already, the state owned Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, has introduced and commenced a National Diploma Programme in Sports, which the Commissioner said , the pioneer students have matriculated.

Commissioner Kanu told journalists that this programme is aimed at preparing athletes and sports managers to still live a good/worthy life beyond sports.

He said “the programme will equip graduates with relevant knowledge and skills in sports management, skills and knowledge that will enable them to live more productive lives after years of active participation in sports”.

On other state government activities in Sports, he stated that while the Abia State Special Sports Economic Zone (ASES) is receiving priority attention, this initiative aims at harnessing the creative ingenuity of Aba-based artisans specialising in fashion, leather works, and sportswear production to establish a thriving sports merchandising hub for Abia, Nigeria, and the African market.

According to him, the project which he said is anchored on a partnership between Sports Nigeria and the Abia State Government through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is expected to generate substantial revenue through taxation and create massive employment opportunities for the youth.

Noting that the state’s investments in sports are translating into outstanding performances at competitions, Commissioner Kanu cited Abia’s first-position at the maiden South East Darts Competition as well as the Teqball League held at Aba Sports Club.

Teqball, which he explained , is an emerging sport similar to table tennis but played using the head and legs, he stated that the successes so far recorded reflect the government’s deliberate efforts to harness the economic and developmental potential of sports.