Abia Introduces Compulsory Physical Education Classes For Schools, Commences Unity Games 2024

The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has announced the commencement of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary School Unity Games 2024.

The Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, made this known at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The Commissioner highlighted Governor Alex Otti’s vision of making Abia the best destination for sports in Nigeria.

“His Excellency’s vision is to make Abia the best destination for sports excellence in the best way possible. We’ll start with 24 sports, we’ll introduce them to many sports, and revitalise sports in Abia State,” he said.

The Commissioner explained plans for sensitization tours to assess infrastructure needs in local governments, reintroduce mandatory physical education classes in schools, and expose students to a wider range of sports.

“We visited local government areas and had a sensitization tour of the local government, to see what their barriers are, what their challenges are in terms of infrastructure and new development.

“So with that we concluded that it’s best to catch them young. To reintroduce having 2 hours of P. E. (Physical Education) a week and having a sports day to introduce other sports to the youngsters.

“We believe the best time to get them is when they are young. Sports is a very lucrative business in the world. It’s a money making industry, a multi billion dollar industry,” the Commissioner stated.

The Commissioner announced the inaugural edition of the Governor’s Secondary School Unity Games, kicking off on March 22nd, 2024. He highlighted the event’s role in sports development within Abia State and in identifying promising young athletes.

Building on the foundation of the Unity Games, the Commissioner unveiled plans for a College of Sports Excellence. He stated that the institution aims to provide comprehensive training and support for elite young athletes, model its structure on successful European training programs, and facilitate opportunities for Abia athletes to train abroad.

“We look at them holistically, see the one that shows signs of being elite athletes, and when we catch them, we’re going to constitute the College of Sports excellence. Where we holistically look at these youngsters and we’re going to affiliate the College of Excellence to European standard.”

The Director of Sports Council, Comrd. Obioma George, added details about the upcoming events.

“It is worthy to note that the 17 local governments of Abia are coming to Umuahia on Friday,” he announced. “This is the first event of its kind for the Abia State Sports Council.”

The Director also revealed that Abia State has begun receiving new sports equipment approved by Governor Alex Otti. He praised the Commissioner and emphasized the collaborative effort to ensure a successful school sports competition.