Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Umuahia North Local Government contingents won the first position as the maiden edition of Abia Unity Games ended today (Wednesday) in Umuahia Township Stadium.
The host LG team won a total of 61 medals comprising 28 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals.
Aba South LGA came second on the medals table with a total of 58 medals comprising 22 gold, 14 silver and 22 bronze medals.
Isuikwuato LGA clinched the third position with a total of 34 medals comprising 12 gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals.
The various teams competed in 24 different sports during the five-day competition where all 17 LGAs in the state participated.
Meanwhile, Gov. Alex Otti, has vowed to make Abia the Sports capital of Nigeria.
Otti who made the vow while speaking at the closing ceremony, said his administration was determined to run sports as business.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, reiterated his resolve to invest heavily in sports.
He said that the competition was a foundational step that would launch the successful athletes as well as the state into global reconning.
In a remark, Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Ananaba Nwobilor, said the essence of the competition was to provide an opportunity for foreign scouts to fish out young talents in the state and help develop them.
He said that sports has become a money-minting venture that the state could not afford to miss in its bid to provide job opportunities for the youths.
Speaking also, Director of Sports, Abia State, Mr Obioma George, expressed satisfaction at the success of the competition which he regretted was neglected by previous administrations.
He commended Gov. Otti for his unprecedented support for sports development.
The event attracted dignitaries including former Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Henry Agbaeze, as well foreign scouts in the hunt for young talents.
