The maiden edition of the Abia Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta 2025 is set to begin on 25 November, with 1,000 students from public and private tertiary institutions across Abia State expected to compete in 26 different sporting activities.

 

The four-day event is organized by the Ministry of Tertiary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

 

Speaking during a press conference to herald the tournament, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, said the state government initiated the fiesta to strengthen unity among institutions in Abia.

 

According to her, the event aims to “initiate something new, bring the students together under one umbrella, promote extracurricular activities among youths, harness their potential into useful endeavours, give them a sense of belonging, and change their mindset.”

 

Prof. Uche further disclosed that Governor Dr. Alex Otti has approved ₦500,000 for each participating institution to support their preparations.

 

“We call it a sports fiesta because it is not going to be a traditional games competition where everyone is struggling to win medals. This will be a festival — a celebration of sports and sportsmen — and an opportunity to identify new talents,” she explained.

 

She expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the swift approval of the programme, noting that it reflects his commitment to youth development and holistic education through inclusive initiatives.

 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, appreciated the Governor for his unwavering support toward youth development and sports. He emphasized that the fiesta is designed not only to nurture students but also to identify athletes who will represent Abia State in future competitions.

 

He announced that Track and Field events will take place at the Umuahia Township Stadium, football matches at Ibeku High School, and lawn tennis at the Ridge Club, Umuahia.

 

Sir Ananaba described the fiesta as part of the Governor’s broader strategy to ensure that young people feel the direct impact of his administration. He noted that following the successful introduction of the Secondary School Unity Games, extending similar opportunities to the tertiary level completes the state’s youth talent-development pipeline.

 

“A couple of years ago, we started the Secondary School Unity Games where we catch them young, give them structure, and nurture them to become outstanding athletes at state, national, and international levels. His Excellency has now extended this empowerment to tertiary education so we can further discover and groom stars who will replace our current champions,” he said.

 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, were also present at the briefing.

 

The event, which will run from 25 to 28 November 2025 across various venues in Umuahia, will be declared open by Governor Alex Otti. It will also feature the unveiling of the “New Abia Pioneers Club,” a value-orientation platform designed to promote excellence, discipline, and provide alternatives to cultism and drug abuse.