Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has performed the symbolic lighting of the Torch of Unity and Peace for the 1st Abia State Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, 2025.
Performing the brief ceremony on Monday, at his Nvosi country home, Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Otti disclosed that, the games, scheduled to hold from November 25th to 29th, 2025, would feature 23 sporting events among 38 participating tertiary institutions in the state.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and sports development and said that the event symbolizes hope, unity and the renewed spirit of the Abia youth.
“Today we gather here to light a torch, not merely of fire, but of hope, passion and youthful energy.
“As the torch travels through the 38 participating institutions in the state, both state and private owned, it will carry with us the message of unity, discipline and excellence that defines Abian’s spirit.
“These games are more than competition, they are a platform for talent discovery, moral redirection and positive engagement, because through sports, our young people will find purpose, strength and teamwork.
“The very qualities our society needs to rise above social vices and embrace progress.” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti commended his Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Institutions, Dr Emeka Enyeazu, who chairs the event’s organising committee in collaboration with the Abia State Sports Council, for his diligence and commitment.
He also announced that he had approved a N500,000 grant for any institution presenting athletes in five or more sporting events, describing the gesture as an incentive for participation and excellence.
The Governor urged students to embrace teamwork, discipline and purpose through sports, adding that the games would nurture future champions who would make the state proud.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, described the fiesta as an initiative of the Ministry of Tertiary Education organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Prof. Uche, who said that the event was evolved to provide a platform for students in both in public and private tertiary institutions to interact and showcase their talents, added that it aims at fostering unity and healthy engagement among students of tertiary institutions across the state.
She noted that the programme underscores the inclusiveness of the present administration’s education policies, saying that the event would feature various games and competitions designed to promote laughter, friendship and teamwork among Abia youths.
Also, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, said that the event shows the government’s commitment to grassroots sports development in Abia.
Sir Ananaba noted that the present administration’s vision for sports begins from the foundation level, encompassing primary and secondary schools to identify and nurture young talents .
He informed that the initiative which has now been extended to tertiary institutions would further deepen youth engagement and talent development across the state.
The torch would now proceed on its journey round all the participating tertiary institutions in the state before returning to the Umuahia Township stadium for the duration of the games.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education and Chairman Central Organising Committee for the games, Dr Emeka Enyiazu and the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George among others were present at the ceremony.
