Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has stated that his government is intentional in using sports to unite the people as well as grow the economy of Abia state.
Governor Otti stated this while receiving a delegation of Sports Nigeria, a private sector driven initiative aimed at partnering governments and private entities to harness talents and develop sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
“We are very deliberate about using sports to unite our people who could support our economy and also to do a few other things that we have mentioned here.”
The Governor, who said that Abia State is blessed with enormous talents assured that he would support every initiative geared towards harnessing of sports talents and sports industry development including creation of enabling environment for sports manufacturing and infrastructural development.
“We are also blessed with talents. We are running two things, we are going to support talents and support industry.”
Otti disclosed that already the Nsulu Games Village in Isiala Ngwa North, had been sited for entertainment and games village.
“We have identified a town a few minutes from here called Nsulu Games Village. That is where we are going to site our entertainment and games village. We believe that if we develop infrastructure around the corridor and all the necessary concerns, hotels, it would work.”
The Governor added that in terms of manufacturing, the state had an existing brand of quality production that would receive more attention.
He assured the delegation that the details of its presentation would be studied and the areas of interest identified for partnership; and thanked the delegation for its interest in sports development in the State.
Earlier, while making a presentation to the Governor on a document entitled, “Abia State Sports Infrastructure Investment – A Value Proposition,” the Chief Executive Officer, Sports Nigeria and Chairperson, Nigeria Football League, Mrs Nkechi Obi, said the Nigeria Sports specialises on facilitating cross sectional alliances to build sports.
She sought the commitment of Abia State Government in providing necessary support for the development of the framework, strategy policy and implementation plans critical to sports infrastructural development, disclosing that what is in for Abia people include community empowerment, job creation and economic growth, social cohesion and health wellness.
According to her, everything that is needed for sports development is supposed to be done at the State level and stressed the need for Abia to leverage on sports to boost development.
