Abia State Government Launches “Abia First Soccer Fiesta”

As part of the efforts to unite Abia communities, reawaken grassroot football, empower youths through football and hunt for raw talents in football, the Abia State government has inaugurated a 33-man Local Organizing Committee to organize the first edition of the Abia State Football Festival.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu who presided over the inauguration in Umuahia on Tuesday emphasized the state’s commitment to youth development and community inclusion.

The committee would be chaired by former Mayor of Umuahia North local government area, Ide John Udeagbala while Captain Eric Asumugha and Lady Oge Maduka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, would serve Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The festival, officially themed, “Abia First Soccer”, is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

It aims at mobilizing football clubs across all 184 wards in the state, encouraging ward-to-ward competition that will culminate in the emergence of a team to represent Abia at national tournaments.

“We’re activating every community, every ward,” said Prince Nwachukwu. “This is about building up from the grassroots, giving young talents a chance to compete, grow, and shine.”

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the initiative is structured to identify and nurture athletic potential, particularly among out-of-school youth. He emphasized that the football festival is distinct from the secondary school unity games, broadening the scope of sports inclusion.

“We are going into the nooks and crannies of Abia. Our goal is not just to scout talent, but to provide a developmental structure to support them to become professional athletes, locally and internationally,” Ananaba said.

Mr. Chinasa Anthony, Co-chair of the committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and Youth Development, echoed these sentiments. He noted the selection of committee members was based on merit and credibility to align with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of grassroots transformation through sports.

In his response, LOC Chairman Ide John Udeagbala thanked the Governor for the trust bestowed upon the committee and promised that the team would work diligently to deliver a successful tournament.

The inauguration was attended by key government officials, including Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, the Permanent Secretary for Sports and Youth Development Dr. Cyril Nwaigwe, Mayors of all 17 Local Government Areas, and Director of Sports Comrade Obioma George.