Governor Dr. Alex Otti has revealed plans to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to meet the interim needs of Abia Warriors Football Club, while reaffirming his commitment to constructing a modern “Stadium City” in Umuahia as a long-term solution to the state’s lack of quality sports facilities.
The announcement came during a meeting with a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation, led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, at the Governor’s office on Wednesday.
Governor Otti emphasized the urgency of the township stadium upgrade, stating, “I have given approval to upgrade the place and make it what a stadium should look like. In the immediate term, we are going to upgrade it to a standard township stadium.” He also outlined the ambitious Stadium City project, which will include an entertainment village, plazas, a conference center, and residential apartments. “The land has been acquired, and work is ongoing with the design,” Otti added.
Highlighting the role of sports in governance, Otti noted, “Football and sports make people happy, and governance is about making people happy.” He expressed gratitude for the NFF’s support and pledged to sustain the state’s collaboration with the federation. The Governor also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Super Falcons’ recent achievements, announcing plans to host Abia indigenes from the victorious team.
NFF President Alhaji Gusau commended Governor Otti’s efforts in sports development, describing Abia as a “home of football” in Nigeria. He cited Enyimba Football Club’s back-to-back African continental victories as a testament to the state’s legacy. Gusau urged Otti to prioritize the Umuahia Township Stadium’s renovation, promising technical support from the NFF, and acknowledged Abia Warriors as one of Nigeria’s top three clubs under Otti’s leadership.
In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala, Chairman of the Abia State Football Association, praised Otti’s governance, particularly for clearing 25 months of salary arrears owed to Abia State Teaching Hospital staff. He urged the Governor to remain focused on his people-oriented policies.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, and the Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club.