Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has affirmed his government’s support for sports development, saying that the state aims to become Nigeria’s number one destination for sports.  

Speaking of plans for the ongoing National Volleyball Division One and Two Championships’ Phase Two Competition in Umuahia, on Wednesday, Otti said it is no coincidence that since the inception of his administration, many sports federations have been identifying with Abia State with various sports events.

Speaking through his Commissioner for  Sports and Youths Development,  Nwaobilor Ananaba, Otti said: “Abia will be the number one destination in terms of sports shortly. In terms of sports tourism, the business of sports and we are working towards it. As you can see, everybody wants to come to Abia State. And since Governor Otti assumed office, he has been doing fantastic things in all the sectors, including the sports sector.

“We are excited to welcome the whole nation to the Volleyball Division One and Two Championships.” Ahead of the competition, Ananaba said the state government has renovated the indoor hall of the Umuahia Stadium to international standard, saying that the venue is ready to host the best of the country’s volleyballers in a conducive environment.

He urged Abia State athletes to work hard for success, assuring that Governor Otti is willing to reward any athlete who performs excellently.

Also, speaking on the competition, which began yesterday, the state’s Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, disclosed that states’ delegations would arrive yesterday for the competition, which will end on October 29.

He said that 19 states have registered to feature in the competition, adding: “As you know, before now things were topsy-turvy in the state’s sports council,
but the coming of Dr Otti has sincerely turned things around in the sports sector in the state. So far, the state is waxing strong, starting from when we organised the secondary school games, which was just like a foundation for our sports development project.”

Meanwhile, First Vice President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, Muhammed Muhammed, an international volleyball referee, has assured all participating teams of fair officiating, while commending Abia State for his interest in Nigeria’s sports development.

He said: “It is not every state, or every governor that has an interest in sports, but from what we have seen, the state has sponsored many competitions.

“Even in the last two months, the state sponsored the South-South/South-East Volleyball Championship. This attests to Governor Otti’s genuine interest in sports development.”