SPORTS: Enyimba set to enjoy new facilities.

Abia gives premium to Sports development.
By Ikechukwu Iroha.
Dr.Ikpeazu has full grasp of the impact of sports in the unity and development of the State and has recorded milestone in that regard.
Contract for the reconstruction of Enyimba Stadium was to equip the stadium with modern facilities and the right sports equipment which will enable the people’s elephant to play with ease in all competitions.
It was awarded to monimichelle, a sports facility construction firm. I can confirm that work has resumed at the Aba Stadium while that of Umuahia township Stadium will follow soon.
The contract so awarded is for the construction of FIFA approved 100% Geo tech synthetic grass pitch especially as Enyimba is often on the international scene. Approval has also also been given for an ultra modern toilet facilities for the Enyimba Stadium.
There is a reawakening and renewed enthusiasm in Abia Sports. The sports loving Governor also mandated the State ministry of sports to upgrade and construct sports infrastructures, rehabilitate and liaise with relevant authorities to revive school sports, facilitate grassroot sports, revisit intra and inter local government sports competitions, repackage holidays sports programmes and ensure regular training and retraining of sports officials.
Sports have become lucrative and and must be handled with all sense of commitment for the benefit of Abians and the Government.
Abia State is blessed with talented youths in the area of sports. To further harness them, Abia requires a comprehensive sports development programmes that will develop their full potentials.
Abia is one of the few States in the Country that is maintaining three (3) clubs in the Country’s Premier league competition.
Enyimba and Abia warriors are doing great in the main male competition.
In addition to sponsoring Enyimba to CAF champions league, Abia State under the able leadership of Dr.Ikpeazu through the ministry of sports took over the ownership and management of Abia Angels football club. It therefore means that Abia State is the only State in the South East that owns a female football club that is playing in the elite division of Nigeria female football.
It could be recalled that upon assumption of Office, Dr.Ikpeazu cleared all outstanding Enyimba and Abia warriors Salaries which paved way for a successful take off of 2015/16 premier League season.
Sports is a unifying game and a strong vehicle for national development. Unemployment as a national burden can be partly addressed through sports. Once the sports sector is well organized and repackaged, it can serve as economic catalyst for the nation.
Marketing of sports wears can as well generate revenue for the government. Developments of youths oriented programmes are fundamentals towards promoting sporting culture among young people.
Sports can help to minimize the rate of crime and idleness amongst youths.