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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has expressed her commitment to youth development and institutional friendship, using the forthcoming Abia tertiary education sports fiesta 2026 as the launch pad.
The Chairman, Central Organising Committee (COC), Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta (ASTESF) 2026, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, who made the disclosure in Umuahia, said the fiesta was conceived as more than a sporting competition.
Dr. Enyiazu said the fiesta, involving institutions owned and operated by the Federal and Abia State governments, including private proprietors, will create a unique platform for students and young athletes from across the state to compete, connect, showcase their talents, and celebrate the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and excellence.
“It is a platform for talent discovery, youth development, institutional friendship, and healthy competition, providing an avenue through which the enormous sporting potentials of students at Abia’s tertiary institutions can be identified, nurtured, and linked to greater opportunities”.
He described the ASTESF 2026, which will be held from November 3 to 6, as an important milestone in the development of tertiary institution sports in Abia State.
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“ASTESF 2026 is about bringing our tertiary institutions together through the unifying power of sports. Whether an institution is federal, state-owned, or privately owned, our students share the same aspirations, energy, and sporting potential.
“This fiesta provides them with a common platform to compete, build friendships, and demonstrate what young people can achieve when talent meets opportunity.”
He said the COC is working to deliver an event that meets high standards of organisation, fairness, safety, professionalism, and sportsmanship, with preparations underway across the areas required for a successful sporting fiesta.
“We, therefore, call on the leadership of federal, state and private tertiary institutions in Abia State to embrace the fiesta and encourage their students and athletes to participate actively.
“We want every participating institution to see ASTESF not merely as a competition to be won, but as an investment in the development of our young people. There will be winners, and there will be those who do not win medals, but every student who participates should leave the fiesta better—in confidence, discipline, friendship, experience, and exposure”.
He lauded Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor N. Ananaba, for their support for the fiesta.
