Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has disclosed plans to flag off the construction of a new Umuahia Stadium before the end of 2026, describing the ambitious project as a full-fledged “stadium city” aimed at boosting sports, tourism, and investment opportunities in the state.

Governor Otti made the disclosure while receiving an Abia-born international footballer and Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze, who visited him at the Government House in Umuahia alongside friends to appreciate the Governor for identifying with him during the burial of his mother last weekend.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Otti revealed that land for the project had already been acquired and that feasibility studies were ongoing, stressing that the initiative would go beyond a conventional stadium to become a comprehensive sports and economic development hub.

According to the Governor, the proposed stadium city would feature hotels, residential estates, and other attractions designed to stimulate development and economic activities around the area.

“I’m sure before the end of the year, we will flag off the construction of the new Umuahia Stadium. The land is already acquired, and we are at the feasibility stage. Because we are not just building a stadium, we are building a stadium city, like a sports village,” Governor Otti said.

“There will be hotels, there will be estates, and other attractions just to develop that path. We would also like our people to come and invest here. Pick whatever is of interest to you, and we will give priority to our people,” he added.

Governor Otti congratulated Chukwueze for his achievements in football and praised him for being a worthy ambassador of Abia State on the global stage. He assured the football star of the state government’s support, urging him to always feel free to seek assistance whenever necessary.

The Governor also sympathised with Chukwueze over the death of his mother, describing the loss as monumental and encouraging him to remain strong despite the grief.

He urged the footballer not to allow the painful experience discourage him from returning home, reminding him to always remain connected to his roots.

Earlier, Samuel Chukwueze said he visited Governor Otti to personally thank him for his support and solidarity during his late mother’s burial ceremony held last Friday.

The Super Eagles winger commended Governor Otti’s developmental strides, describing the visible transformation across Abia State as evidence of purposeful governance and impactful leadership.

Chukwueze noted that he had been following the administration’s infrastructural projects and expressed admiration over the visible improvements, especially road construction and urban renewal efforts.

“I have been seeing the good works the Governor is doing. When I came back and saw Umuahia, it was completely different. The roads have improved greatly, and the transformation is visible. He deserves every accolade for the good work he has been doing,” Chukwueze stated.

Speaking further on the proposed Umuahia Stadium City project, the football star described it as a forward-thinking investment capable of unlocking opportunities for young talents and positioning Abia as a sports destination.

He said the project would not only provide world-class sporting facilities but also encourage youth participation in sports and attract enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

Chukwueze equally pledged to invest in sports development in Abia State as a way of giving back to the community that shaped his football career.

“I intend to invest in sports development for the youth, and I am already working on it gradually, step by step. It is my hometown and where I grew up. It made me who I am today, and I cannot forget where I came from,” he said.

The Governor’s announcement has generated excitement among sports enthusiasts and residents, with many viewing the proposed stadium city as a landmark project that could redefine sports and economic development in Abia State.

The visit and discussions underscore a growing partnership between government and private sports figures in fostering youth empowerment and infrastructural growth in the state.

Source: Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (May 31, 2026).