Otti’s Youth Centred Policies Driving Sports Development in Abia, Says Lawmaker
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Anthony Chinasa, has said that the youth friendly policies of Alex Otti are advancing sports development across the state.
Chinasa, who is a member and co chair of the House Committee on Sports, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Thursday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. He stated that Governor Otti views sports as a major tool for youth empowerment, hence his strong commitment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
The lawmaker revealed that a Sports Endowment Fund Bill is currently before the 8th Abia State House of Assembly. According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to encourage private sector participation in funding sports development and reduce the financial burden on the state government.
He said, “Governor Alex Otti is a leader who believes strongly in youth empowerment and in securing the future of young people.
“The scripture says that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. That explains the new phase and positive transformation being witnessed in Abia State today because the governor has the welfare of youths at heart.
“What you are seeing in the area of sports today is because Governor Otti understands that young men and women are the future. He believes that when they are given the right foundation through sports, the state will benefit greatly in the future,” Chinasa said.
The lawmaker noted that sports has continued to promote unity among youths in the state, adding that efforts are already underway to use sporting activities to improve the economic wellbeing of young people.
“Anytime Abia Warriors play their matches, you see young people travelling from Umuahia to Aba because the Umuahia Stadium is currently under reconstruction.
“But the bigger question is how sports can enhance the financial growth of youths. As of today, we have a player from Abia Comets who has travelled abroad to pursue a professional football career.
“If he succeeds, one person would have been lifted out of poverty. Behind that one individual are family members, relatives, friends and supporters whose lives can also be positively affected.
“When things begin to work well for him, several other families may equally benefit. That is the kind of impact I want Abia sports, especially football, to continue creating,” he added.
Chinasa further cited the example of Samuel Chukwueze, noting that proper investment in sports talents could yield long term economic benefits for the state.
He said, “If the state supports and develops talents like Samuel Chukwueze to the level he is today, and there is a structured return system into sports development, the proceeds can be used to train other upcoming footballers.
“From one successful athlete, the state can raise many more talents. Our goal should be that whatever dividends come from successful athletes are reinvested into sports development, thereby enabling the sector to sustain itself.”
On sports infrastructure, Chinasa assured that the State Assembly would continue to support the executive through legislative approvals aimed at improving sporting facilities across Abia State.