The Abia <\/a>State Government has inaugurated the boards of various sports federations under the State Sports Council, charging members to reposition the sector as a key driver of youth employment, development, and economic growth.<\/p>\n Inaugurating the boards on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia <\/a>State Governor Alex <\/a>Otti said the revitalisation of sports is a strategic step toward youth development and cohesion.<\/p>\n Governor Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said the inauguration of the sports federation boards was a tool for youth empowerment in Abia <\/a>State.<\/p>\n Otti emphasised the transformative role of sports in Nigerian society, noting that it remains a powerful platform for engaging young people and instilling unity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.<\/p>\n In his address, the Abia <\/a>State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the Abia <\/a>State Government cannot continue to fund sports activities alone.<\/p>\n He warned association executives against unproductivity and redundancy, saying that days of existing only on paper were over.<\/p>\n Also speaking, the Abia <\/a>State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the Abia <\/a>State Government\u2019s investment in the sports sector had resulted in the appointment of coaches from the state in national sports associations.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n