Gov Alex Otti Celebrates Abia Athletes with Job Offers and Cash Rewards to Boost Sports Talent
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has announced employment for 15 Abia athletes who made the state proud in National and international Sporting Competitions.
Governor Otti who made the announcement at his Umuehim-Nvosi country home during a reception ceremony organized by the state government in honor of Abia’s victorious athletes including Abia born Gold medalist Onyinyechi Mark and Silver medalist Esther Nworgu, congratulated the athletes for placing the state on the global map.
The Governor while describing the event as one of his happiest days in office, said that the move is aimed at boosting the morale of athletes and retaining talents as well as prevent them from leaving the state to seek opportunities abroad.
The Governor while also restating the abolition of the non-indigene distinction, stressed that anyone residing in Abia State is considered an Abian.
Governor Otti who used the forum to announce cash rewards for the two Paralympic Powerlifting international Champions of Abia origin, Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, commended them for their exceptional performance noting that “with determination noting is impossible”.
The Governor who also announced cash rewards to other athletes and their coaching crew, promised to address infrastructural concerns raised by the athletes, including the maintenance of the stadium, enhancing their working conditions and upgrading the office of the Director of Sports with a brand-new Coaster Bus before the end of November this year.
While acknowledging the efforts of former Super Eagles Player, Coach Christian Chukwu, the Governor promised to support him by ensuring that he receives the best medical attention.
He thanked the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, for their unwavering commitment, and reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering youth participation in sports and expressed gratitude to God for making the athletes’ achievements possible.
In an address, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba attributed all the remarkable successes recorded by the sports council to the valuable supports and unflinching love of Governor Otti to the ministry.
He noted that the recent Paralympic games in France and national games held in Delta state were the direct results of deliberate investment in sports infrastructure, purchase of equipment and focused athletes development programs by the present administration.
Presenting the athletes to the Governor earlier, the State Director of Sports, Mr Obioma George lauded the Governor for his support towards grassroot sports which he noted has started yielding results.
He said that Governor Alex Otti has redeemed Abia sports Council through sponsorship of sporting activities, purchase of sports equipment, renovation of facilities, adding that the last time Abia athletes were received and hosted in such magnitude was in 2004.