Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called the first weightlifting championship a big step for sports in the state and the South-East. He believes it will help find and develop the next generation of athletes in the region.
Otti shared this in Umuahia on Thursday while launching the first Abia State Southeast Opening Weightlifting Championship. He said, "It is more than a sports competition. It is a deliberate investment in our young people, an opportunity to discover new talents and a platform to nurture athletes who can represent Abia State in the Southeast and Nigeria and the international competitions."
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Sports, Sir Ananaba Nwobilor, pointed out that weightlifting requires discipline, strength, courage, determination, and mental toughness.
He also said, "Every successful lift is the product of preparation, sacrifice, consistency and self-belief. These are the same qualities we want to develop in our young people.
"We believe that sports is not only about medals and trophies; sports is about discovering potential, developing character, creating opportunities and empowering our young people to become productive citizens and future leaders.
"That is why the government of Abia State under the leadership of Alex Otti will continue to support initiatives that create structured opportunities for young people to participate, compete and develop their talents."
Otti added, "His support shows a clear commitment to youth development and the growth of sports in our state. We are determined to ensure that talented young people do not just have talent; they must have a pathway. The pathway from discovery is to train, from training to competition, from competition to excellence, from excellence to opportunity at national and international levels."
Emmanuel Oshomah, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, praised the state for leading the way and hosting this first event in the South East zone. Bernard Ezema, the South East Zonal Coordinator, expressed his excitement about the athletes’ hard work and determination.
"Otti is a great man. He has the ability to do everything. He has the money, he has the way, he has the vision, he has the brain to do this. Other governors are seeing it and looking at the other side, but he is on the ground for sports."
Ezema also praised the governor for purchasing weightlifting equipment worth over N20 million for the state.
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