REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the first South-East Shooting Competition hosted in the state as a strategic platform for talent discovery and youth empowerment.
The Governor stated this while declaring the competition open at the Indoor Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium. He noted that the event forms part of deliberate efforts by his administration to expand sports development beyond conventional disciplines.
Governor Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, explained that shooting is a recognised Olympic sport with strong potential to produce national and international champions when properly developed at the grassroots.
He pledged the commitment of the Abia State Government to supporting emerging sports capable of creating new opportunities for young people and enhancing the state’s profile in national competitions. The Governor further assured that sports associations that demonstrate discipline, transparency, and commitment to youth development would continue to receive government support.
Commendations from Sports Stakeholders
The President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation (NSF), Commodore Mohammed Shettima, commended the Abia State Government for its strides in sports development. Represented by Lieutenant Commander Peter Ogbe, he expressed appreciation for the state’s support for sports and the achievement of key milestones in the sector.
He also praised the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development for effectively mobilising resources to implement the state’s sports development agenda, noting that Abia was selected to host the federation’s first shooting competition in the South-East due to its achievements in sports administration. He described the event as impressive and assured that the federation’s leadership would be briefed on its positive outcomes.
Similarly, the South-East Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Bernard Ezemma, lauded Abia State for hosting the maiden edition of the shooting competition in the region, describing it as a visionary initiative.
In his remarks, the Abia Director of Sports, Mr. George Obioma, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing all sports, not just football, in order to provide wider opportunities for youths.
Earlier, the NSC South-East Zonal Representative (Shooting), Mrs. Paschaline Edozie, commended the Abia State Government for its commitment to reviving shooting sports in the state.
