Initiative to promote responsible citizenship, leadership development, integrity and community service among tertiary institution students
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has unveiled the New Abia Crusaders Club, an initiative aimed at promoting responsible citizenship, leadership development, integrity, innovation and community service among students of tertiary institutions across the state.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, performed the unveiling during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with 16 federal, state and privately owned tertiary institutions participating.
The event marked the opening of the second edition of the Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta and the unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club, reflecting the Otti administration’s focus on youth development, educational advancement, talent discovery and leadership development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Governor Emetu described the Sports Fiesta as more than a sporting competition, saying it provides a common platform for students from different institutions to showcase their abilities, build friendships, strengthen institutional cooperation and prepare for national and international sporting opportunities.
He explained that the initiative reflects the administration’s position that education should extend beyond academic qualifications to encompass character formation, practical skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and responsible citizenship.
According to him, the future of Abia depends largely on the ability of its young people to acquire relevant knowledge, develop their talents and take active roles in building a progressive society.
“The future of Abia cannot be built by government alone. It requires the active participation of young people who are knowledgeable, disciplined, innovative and prepared to take responsibility for the development of their communities. Our responsibility as government is to create the enabling environment, while our students must rise to the opportunities before them and become active contributors to the society we collectively desire,” he stated.
On the New Abia Crusaders Club, Emetu said the initiative would provide a structured platform across tertiary institutions for leadership training, civic engagement, volunteerism and the promotion of good governance.
He explained that the club was conceived to groom informed and responsible young people who would distinguish themselves through integrity, service, accountability and positive contributions to society.
The Deputy Governor expressed the expectation that the platform would produce future senators, members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, ambassadors, entrepreneurs and other accomplished individuals who would contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia State and Nigeria.
“The New Abia Crusaders must understand that leadership is not about position, privilege or political affiliation; it is about character, service and positive impact. We expect this platform to produce future leaders who will distinguish themselves wherever they find themselves. Above all, our young people must be sufficiently informed and guided by conscience to recognise what is right and stand firmly for the values that promote good governance and societal development,” he said.
Emetu also charged the students to uphold discipline, fair play, mutual respect and excellence, noting that sporting activities provide opportunities to develop teamwork, resilience, friendship and leadership qualities.
He assured that the Otti administration would sustain policies and programmes aimed at improving access to quality education, strengthening tertiary institutions, promoting digital skills, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for productive employment and entrepreneurship.
The Deputy Governor urged the students to invest in their personal development, maintain high moral standards and contribute actively to the development of their communities.
“Your certificates may open doors, but your character, competence, creativity and capacity to solve problems will determine how far you go. I encourage you to invest in yourselves, uphold your values and take advantage of the opportunities being created by this administration. Do not wait until you occupy public office before making a difference. Leadership begins with the choices you make and the positive influence you bring to your immediate environment,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr. Emeka Enyiazu, described the Fiesta as a landmark initiative that had brought federal, state and privately owned universities, polytechnics and colleges of education together on a common platform.
He said the competition was designed not only to identify champions but also to create opportunities for emerging talents to be discovered, nurtured and developed for future competitions.
Enyiazu commended Governor Otti for providing the vision and support for the initiative. He also appreciated the Commissioners for Tertiary Education and Youth and Sports Development, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, heads of participating institutions, members of the organising committee and other stakeholders for their contributions.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, commended the Governor’s sustained commitment to repositioning the state’s tertiary education sector.
She highlighted the administration’s interventions in infrastructural development, rehabilitation and upgrading of facilities, payment of inherited salary arrears and restoration of lost accreditations, noting that the measures were improving the environment for teaching, learning, research and innovation.
Eme-Uche described the New Abia Crusaders Club as a strategic platform for civic engagement and leadership development, designed to promote responsible citizenship, volunteerism and constructive participation in governance.
She also acknowledged the collaboration between the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the heads of tertiary institutions in the state in advancing policies and programmes for the sector.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended Governor Otti for his support for youth and sports development, describing sports as an important instrument for promoting inclusion, discipline, motivation, talent discovery and positive social change.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the founders of private universities in Abia State, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Professor Gabriel Okenwa, commended Governor Otti for his leadership and investments in infrastructure, education and human capital development.
He described the Sports Fiesta as a commendable initiative that promotes academic excellence, character formation, unity and the holistic development of young people.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, Esq., appreciated the Governor for his continued support for educational advancement, youth empowerment and sporting excellence.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the Central Organising Committee, heads of tertiary institutions, athletes, coaches, officials, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders.
Okeziem-Nwoko said the Sports Fiesta and unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club offered an opportunity to discover talents, nurture champions and raise a generation of young people who would serve as proud ambassadors of Abia State.
The 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta brought together students and representatives of participating institutions for sporting activities centred on talent, healthy competition, friendship and institutional collaboration.
The event also featured a colourful march-past competition among participating tertiary institutions, showcasing their institutional identities, discipline and pride.
Government officials and other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; heads of tertiary institutions; students; and other stakeholders.
The report is based on a statement issued by Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State.
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