From TCNEWS
In a bold move to unify communities and unearth grassroots football talent, the Abia State Government has inaugurated a 33-member Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to coordinate the maiden edition of the Abia State Football Festival, with a vision to transform local passion for football into a state-wide platform for youth empowerment and talent discovery.
The inauguration, held in Umuahia, was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, who emphasized the state’s commitment to youth development and community inclusion. Former Mayor of Aba North LGA, Ide John Udeagbala, was named Chairman of the LOC, with Captain Eric Asumugha as Vice Chairman, and Lady Oge Maduka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, as Secretary.
The festival, officially titled “Abia First Soccer”, is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development. It aims to mobilize football clubs across all 184 wards in the state, encouraging ward-to-ward competition that will culminate in the emergence of a team to represent Abia at national tournaments.
“We’re activating every community, every ward,” said Prince Nwachukwu. “This is about building up from the grassroots, giving young talents a chance to compete, grow, and shine.”
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the initiative is structured to identify and nurture athletic potential, particularly among out-of-school youth. He emphasized that the football festival is distinct from the secondary school unity games, broadening the scope of sports inclusion.
“We are going into the nooks and crannies of Abia. Our goal is not just to scout talent, but to provide a developmental structure to support them to become professional athletes, locally and internationally,” Ananaba said.
Mr. Chinasa Anthony, Co-chair of the committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and Youth Development, echoed these sentiments. He noted the selection of committee members was based on merit and credibility to align with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of grassroots transformation through sports.
In his response, LOC Chairman Ide John Udeagbala thanked the Governor for the trust bestowed upon the committee and promised that the team would work diligently to deliver a successful tournament.
The inauguration was attended by key government officials, including Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, the Permanent Secretary for Sports and Youth Development Dr. Cyril Nwaigwe, Mayors of all 17 Local Government Areas, and Director of Sports Comrade Obioma George.
In a related development, the Abia State Police Command has intensified efforts to deepen grassroots security collaboration. The Commissioner of Police (CP), Danladi Isa, met with the 17 Local Government Mayors in a high-level dialogue also facilitated by Commissioner Uzor Nwachukwu.
CP Isa commended the ongoing support of Governor Alex Otti in combatting crime and reaffirmed the police force’s readiness to work closely with local leaders. He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, urging mayors to liaise directly with Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders to proactively address security challenges.
“The Police cannot do it alone,” said CP Isa. “We need timely, credible intelligence. We encourage landlords to screen tenants and communities to remain vigilant. Misconduct by officers will not be tolerated.”
He reassured the mayors of the Command’s commitment to professionalism, justice, and integrity while calling for greater synergy with youth leaders and traditional rulers.
This multifaceted approach showcases Abia’s commitment to inclusive governance, where talent, safety, and youth empowerment are not abstract ideals, but active state policies being put into motion.
Abia’s dual strategy of investing in sports and bolstering local security presents a holistic community development model. At one end, the football festival offers hope and opportunity to young people, potentially reducing idleness and youth-related crime. On the other, renewed police engagement ensures that community security is proactive and inclusive.
Both moves are aligned with global best practices, where grassroots development is seen as the cornerstone for sustainable peace and economic growth.
