Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has charged students of tertiary institutions in the state to embrace good leadership, integrity, discipline and excellence as critical values needed to build a prosperous New Abia.
Otti gave the charge on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta and the official unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the future of the state depends largely on the quality of character and contributions of its young people.
“The New Abia project is not limited to road construction, school renovation, healthcare improvement and infrastructure development, but is fundamentally about building people, restoring values, creating opportunities and raising a generation committed to excellence, integrity and service,” Otti said.
He described the fiesta as more than a gathering of students, noting that it provides an opportunity to celebrate youthful energy, intellectual excellence and creativity.
“This fiesta is more than a gathering of students. It provides an opportunity to celebrate youthful energy, intellectual excellence, creativity and the enormous potential of young people to contribute to the development of the state,” he stated.
Otti said his administration recognises education as one of the most important investments in the future of Abia and stressed the need for tertiary institutions to become centres of innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
He said his government is committed to producing graduates who are not just certificate holders but problem-solvers and job creators.
“We are committed to producing graduates who will not only possess academic certificates but also become problem-solvers, innovators, employers of labour and responsible citizens capable of competing favourably anywhere in the world,” he added.
The governor described the newly unveiled New Abia Crusaders Club as a platform for cultivating leadership, responsible citizenship and community service among students.
He urged the leadership of the club to organise mentorship programmes, innovation competitions and community development projects.
“I urge the leadership of the club to organise mentorship programmes, academic and innovation competitions, environmental initiatives and community development projects that will make meaningful contributions to society.
“Leadership begins with the choices you make and the positive influence you exert in your communities. Invest in yourselves, uphold your values and become active participants in building the society you desire,” Otti charged the students.
He assured that his administration would continue to place young people at the centre of its development agenda through policies aimed at expanding access to quality education, promoting digital skills and creating opportunities for productive employment.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, described the New Abia Crusaders Club as an elite platform across federal, state and private institutions to promote responsible leadership.
“The New Abia Crusaders Club is an elite platform established across federal, state and private tertiary institutions to promote responsible leadership, integrity, service and positive citizenship among students,” Prof. Eme-Uche said.
She highlighted the achievements of the Otti administration in the tertiary education sector, including infrastructural development, improved staff welfare, clearance of inherited salary arrears and restoration of lost accreditations.
“The interventions have created a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and innovation. Members of the New Abia Crusaders must be properly informed, guided by good values and committed to making positive contributions to society,” she added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said sports remains a vital tool for youth development.
“Sports remains an important platform for physical development, talent discovery, unity and the exploration of career opportunities for young people. The Sports Fiesta was designed to go beyond sporting competitions by providing students with opportunities to discover their talents and develop their potential,” Ananaba said.
On his part, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Professor Gabriel Okenwa, who spoke on behalf of private universities, commended Otti for his transformational leadership.
“Good governance deserves commendation irrespective of political affiliation. Governor Otti has shown visionary and transformational leadership, particularly in infrastructure, education and human capital development,” Prof. Okenwa said.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr. Emeka Enyiazu, said the fiesta breaks institutional barriers.
“The fiesta has provided a common platform for federal, state and private tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, to showcase their sporting talents. It is an opportunity to break institutional barriers, discover hidden talents and prepare young athletes for national and international competitions,” Enyiazu said.
He urged athletes to compete with courage and uphold fair play.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mrs. Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, appreciated Otti for his commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment.
Highlights of the ceremony included the official unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club, administration of oaths to athletes and officials, and a parade by representatives of various tertiary institutions.
The 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta was organised by the Ministries of Tertiary Education and Youth and Sports Development.
