The Abia State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, announced that the state government is committed to revitalizing sports development by reintroducing Inter-House sports competitions in primary and secondary schools. The move aims to foster young talent and encourage students to develop their athletic potential early on.

Speaking in Umuahia on Tuesday after inaugurating newly formed boards for the Enyimba, Abia Warriors, and Abia Comets football clubs, Ananaba emphasized the importance of sports as a developmental tool for youth in Abia. He revealed plans to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to world-class standards and announced a forthcoming sensitization tour to schools to promote student involvement in sports.

He tasked the new board members with ensuring Abia’s legacy of producing top-tier athletes continues, saying, “The essence of appointing Board members for our football clubs today is to reclaim our position in producing professional footballers and athletes as we have in the past. We must maintain the tempo and leverage our collective skills to sustain excellence.”

Among the new appointees is former Nigerian international player Kanu Nwankwo, who was named chairman of Enyimba International Football Club. Other board members include Eric I. Esomugha as vice chairman and Frank Adiele Alaribe as secretary. Abia Warriors and Abia Comets also welcomed new leaders, with John Ogbu and Boniface Uche appointed as chairmen, respectively.

This initiative marks a significant step by the Abia State government in enhancing sports infrastructure and youth development within the state.