Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Excellence as Touch of Unity for NDDC Games is Received in Abia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has officially received the Torch of Unity for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games.

Receiving the torch in Umuahia, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, sports infrastructure, and equal opportunities for women.

The Governo, represented by the acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, described sports as one of the strongest platforms for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and national pride.

He noted that the torch signifies unity, resilience, sportsmanship, and progress across the Niger Delta states, describing the sports festival as a welcome development which represents hope, discipline, teamwork and excellence.

Otti commended athletes of Abia-origin, who had represented the state at national and international games as well as distinguished themselves in various sports events.

He urged athletes representing the state at the second edition of the NDDC  to compete with a champion’s mindset, assuring them of his unwavering support.

In his speech the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, explained that the Torch of Unity is part of the NDDC Sports Festival initiative, which rotates across the nine NDDC states to promote regional integration and healthy competition.

Providing a stewardship report, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, outlined remarkable achievements recorded under the current administration in 2025.

Obioma disclosed that Abia State emerged overall best in athletics at the National Basic School Sports Competition in Bauchi, with a pupil from Union Primary School, Afaraukwu, Chinenye Emmanuel, winning a record seven gold medals.

He added that another athlete, Divine Onyekachi, secured one gold and one bronze medal, earning Abia recognition as the best-performing state at its debut appearance.

He described the Governor’s intervention in sports as transformative and pledged continued dedication to achieving greater laurels for the state.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Abia State Basketball Association, Mr. Victor Okoro, and Abia-born international basketball star, Ezinne Kalu, commended Governor Otti for his unwavering support for sports and pledged to continue making the state proud.

The Torch, which is a symbol of the games, will pass through the nine states in the Niger Delta region, while the sports festival is slated to run from February 20 to 27 in Edo State.