Governor Alex Otti-led administration is set to build a 35,000-seater capacity in Abia state.
The Abia State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Nwadioha who confirmed this to National Ambassador in Umuahia, Abia State recently, noted that it is one of the campaign promises of Gov. Otti to Abians.
He commended the Director of Sports Abia State, Comrade George Obioma for the training of Sports Administrators and athletes by the Nigerian Olympic Committee, adding that it is part of the state vision to develop and advance sports in the state.
Meanwhile, Director of Sports in the state, Comrade George Obioma has lauded Gov Otti’s plans to build a 35,000-seater capacity stadium in Abia, adding that it would boost sports development and attract international competitions to the state.
Obioma explained that the Olympic stadium when constructed, would also create jobs, boost tourism, enhance infrastructural development, increase revenue, promote sports development in the state and enhance Abia State visibility among others.
On the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State, the Sports Veteran, said that Team Abia is preparing earnestly for the event with the view of performing better than the previous events.
He thanked Gov Otti for his support in the last National Youth games in Asaba which Team Abia won 31 medals, expressing hope that they would exceed the previous records.
Obioma who further underscored the importance of training and retraining in sports, expressed satisfaction over the training of Sports Administrators, support staff and athletes in the state by the Nigerian Olympic Committee, maintaining that it would be a continuous process.
He stated that there would be positive changes in the sports culture among sports administrators in Abia state owing to the training.
Contributing, the National Course Director, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Dr. Esther Oluwatoyin said that she is impressed with the recent improvement in sports administration in Abia, adding that the importance of regular training of Sports Administrators in sports cannot be overemphasized.
In her words: “Sport is dynamic, continuum and requires regular training to remain relevant in sports development. The training of 10-15 years ago may not be relevant in the sports business of today”.
She applauded the training programme organized by the Abia State Sports Council, insisting that it would improve sports development in the state.
Dr. Oluwatoyin who expressed concern that Abia that used to produce finest athletes in handball, basket ball and volley ball among others are now lagging behind.
She called for a new approach from the present administration.
The veteran National sports administrator maintained that Abia is due for an Olympic-sized stadium to give room for international standard sports halls to attract international sports events to Abia.
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