• ‘We’ll develop more talented youth footballers for Abia State,’ Obuh assures
Nsulu Games Village, which is one of the country’s biggest sports infrastructure, will soon be revived to aid the development of the sector in Abia.
The facility established by former chairman of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Sir Jerry Enyeazu, has been neglected by successive governments, leading to the take over of the facility by rodents and miscreants.
But that is about to change. Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Tuesday, promised rebuild the Nsulu Games Village, as part of his overall plan to develop sports in the state.
Speaking while receiving Abia Warriors FC’s new chairman, Coach Sam Obuh, in his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa, Otti said sports and youth development have special positions in his administration. He told Obuh that his appointment was based on merit and record of achievements, just like the other appointees of the current government.
“In making the appointment as Chairman of Abia Warriors, we have looked at your track record; we have looked at your performance in the past; we have looked at the kind of training that you have had. We have also looked at your ability to perform. Those are the defining characteristics that run through all our appointees.
“We have no doubt that you will take Abia Warriors to the next level. There has been a lot of excitement with your announcement and that of Kanu Nwankwo (Enyimba International Football Club) to handle the two major clubs,” Otti said.
He reiterated his campaign promise to redevelop the Nsulu Games Village, saying that he had given ‘a marching order’ to the Commissioner for Sports in that regard.
“We’re going to rebuild it not just for football, but for other sports,” the Governor said. Earlier, Obuh, who was accompanied on the visit by the Convener of United Abia Artistes and Patriots (UAAP), Osita Offor, also known as Ultimate Commander, thanked the governor for giving him opportunity to serve, promising not to disappoint.
He said: “For you to have given me this responsibility, I came to say, thank you, and assure you that you will not be disappointed.
“We will deal with everything that has to do with players business, both in playing and ensuring that our children get opportunities to bring in funds into the purse of Abia State.”
Obuh referenced his involvement in the development of youth football at the national level spanning over 20 years and said he would bring that experience to bear on his new assignment.
“I have been involved in national team football development from under 17 to under 20, for over 20 years. This is a great opportunity for me to contribute to the development of football in my state and I appreciate this opportunity,” he added.
