FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has officially received the Torch of Unity for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games.
The Torch, which is a symbol of the games, will pass through the nine states in the Niger Delta region, while the sports festival slated to run from February 20 to 27 will hold in Edo.
Receiving the torch at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the torch signifies unity, resilience, sportsmanship, and progress across the Niger Delta states.
The Governor represented by the acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Merebole, described the sports festival as a welcome development which represents hope, discipline, teamwork and excellence. He said that sports remains a strong platform for youth development, social cohesion and national pride.
He commended athletes of Abia-origin, who had represented the state at national and international games as well as distinguished themselves in various sports events.
He also lauded the state’s young gymnast and two boxing champions for their outstanding performances, as well as stakeholders supporting sports development in schools, and urged athletes representing the state at the second edition of the NDDC to compete with a champion’s mindset, assuring them of his unwavering support.
Gov, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, sports infrastructure, and equal opportunities for women.
He emphasised that sports remain one of the strongest platforms for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and national pride.
The Governor also used the occasion to celebrate Abia’s outstanding sports ambassadors who have represented the state and Nigeria at continental and international levels, particularly the state’s female basketball stars.
This includes special recognition given to 15-year-old gymnastics champion, Stephanie, who currently ranked number one in Nigeria, as well as the boxing (The Okoronkos) champions who recently secured victories in their professional bouts.
“You are now a role symbol for our daughters as we also saw your participation at the continental stage which demonstrates excellence, courage, skill, and determination.
“For this, we salute you because your achievements reinforce our administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, sports infrastructure, and equal opportunities for our women.
“I also want to thank the people who are building basketball courts and a lot of sporting things for our students in schools. I want to thank you for that,” Gov. Otti stated.
In his speech the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his immense support and fatherly commitment to sports development in the state.
He explained that the Torch of Unity is part of the NDDC Sports Festival initiative, which rotates across the nine NDDC states to promote regional integration and healthy competition.
Sir Ananaba also highlighted the inspiring performance of young gymnast Stephanie Onutiruka during a skills demonstration tour in Umuahia schools, noting that her display ignited enthusiasm among students and encouraged greater participation in sports.
Providing a stewardship report, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, outlined remarkable achievements recorded under the current administration in 2025.
He announced that Abia State emerged overall best in athletics at the National Basic School Sports Competition in Bauchi, with a pupil from Union Primary School, Afaraukwu, Chinenye Emmanuel, winning an outstanding seven gold medals.
He said that, another athlete, Divine Onyekachi, secured one gold and one bronze medal, earning Abia recognition as the best-performing state at its debut appearance.
Comrade George further revealed significant progress in other sporting categories, including Abia Volleyball Team which returned to the Premier League, achieving a historic fifth position, Abia Handball Team which regained its place in Nigeria’s top handball league, restoring the state’s lost glory in the sport, Abia athletes that excelled in para-badminton and powerlifting, with Esther and Mark winning seven medals each at the Islamic Games among many others.
He described the Governor’s intervention in sports as transformative and pledged continued dedication to achieving greater laurels for the state.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Abia State Basketball Association, Mr. Victor Okoro, and Abia-born international basketball star, Ezinne Kalu, commended Governor Otti for his unwavering support for sports and pledged to continue making the state proud.
The event attracted the presence of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, SSA to the Governor on Youth, Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu , Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Development among others.
Abiakam Gloria Ify HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
12 February, 2026.
