At least 1,000 student-athletes from across Abia State will participate in 28 different sporting events as the second edition of the Abia All Secondary School Games kicks off on July 29 at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The state’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Obilor Ananaba, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Umuahia. He listed football, basketball, taekwondo, volleyball, and shooting among the featured events.
Obilor revealed that the four-day competition would feature champions from all 17 Local Government Areas in the state, adding that the aim of the annual event is primarily talent discovery and youth empowerment.
“Some of the talents discovered during the first edition in 2024 have already traveled abroad to pursue careers in sports,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, three young athletes discovered during the maiden edition were invited to Hungary, while Barcelona Football Club invited another player and a local coach from the state for training and talent recruitment collaboration.
Obilor also noted that several athletes who participated in the first edition went on to represent Abia at the recently concluded National Sports Festival, demonstrating the impact of the state’s investment in grassroots sports development.
“Our goal is to revive school games across the state so we can catch them young and nurture them to global standards,” he said.
He further announced that Governor Alex Otti has approved free accommodation and lunch for all participants throughout the competition.
The commissioner thanked Governor Otti for his “unwavering support” for youth and sports development, especially in upgrading sports infrastructure across the state.
Also speaking, the state’s Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, said the competition is open to both public and private schools, and participants will emerge from LG-level champions.
He highlighted that many of the Under-15 athletes representing Nigeria in Algeria — including Chinyere Okafor, a rising table tennis star — are from Abia.
“We are optimistic that the second edition will unearth even more promising talents,” George said.
The event is expected to attract sports scouts, coaches, and stakeholders interested in nurturing the next generation of elite athletes from Abia State.