Otti Flags Off 2026 Abia Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta With Torch Of Unity

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti has officially flagged off the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta with symbolic lighting of Torch of Unity, marking the commencement of sporting activities among tertiary institutions in the state.

Otti performed the ceremony on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia.

Receiving the Torch, the Governor charged participating institutions to play according to rules, assuring that his administration would continue to support sports development.

He noted that the Fiesta would bring together students from public and private tertiary institutions, including federal and state-owned, to promote unity, healthy competition, sportsmanship and youth development.

The Torch of Unity will travel across participating institutions spreading message of togetherness and encouraging greater participation.

Presenting the Torch, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, expressed excitement that the fiesta has become a reality after months of planning which began in January, recalling that the inaugural edition last year recorded significant success.

She described Abia as the pioneer in organising tertiary education sports fiesta, saying the initiative has attracted attention of Commissioners’ Forum where colleagues from other states expressed interest in understanding how the programme was conceived and funded.

Prof. Uche explained that the fiesta represents a shift from traditional treatment of sports as mere extra-curricular activity to deliberate approach recognising its potential to promote discipline, talent discovery, social interaction and institutional cooperation.

She commended Otti for ensuring private institutions were included alongside public institutions and for providing grants to support their participation, saying inclusive approach has encouraged institutions with limited opportunities for organised competitions to participate on equal terms.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked the Governor for leadership and support, describing the Torch as a powerful symbol of unity, strength, togetherness and youth empowerment.

He said the fiesta would provide opportunities for talented athletes to emerge and represent Abia at the state and national competitions, while strengthening relationships among students and encouraging young people to embrace sports for personal development.

In his remarks, Special Adviser to Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr. Emeka Enyeazu, disclosed that many institutions have registered, expressing optimism that the event would generate wider publicity for the state and further establish it as leader in innovative educational and sporting initiatives.