Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that construction work on the proposed Umuahia Stadium City will commence before the end of 2026, as the state government intensifies efforts to reposition Abia as a hub for sports, tourism and investment.
The governor made the announcement on Sunday while hosting Super Eagles winger and Abia-born football star, Samuel Chukwueze, at the Government House in Umuahia.
Chukwueze, who currently plays club football in Europe and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football exports, visited the governor alongside friends and associates to express appreciation for Otti’s support and presence during the burial of his late mother.
The visit, which attracted top government officials and close associates of the footballer, also provided an opportunity for discussions on youth development, sports infrastructure and investment opportunities in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti revealed that the state had already secured land for the ambitious project and had moved into the feasibility stage.
According to him, the proposed facility would go beyond a conventional stadium, as the administration intends to develop an integrated sports city capable of attracting local and international activities.
“I’m sure before the end of the year, we will flag off the construction of the new Umuahia Stadium,” the governor said.
“The land is already acquired, and we are at the feasibility stage. We are not just building a stadium; we are building a stadium city, like a sports village.
“There will be hotels, estates and other attractions to develop that corridor,” he added.
The proposed Stadium City is expected to transform a significant section of Umuahia into a modern sports and leisure destination, with the government projecting that the development will stimulate economic growth, create jobs and attract private investment.
Observers say the initiative aligns with Otti’s broader urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda since assuming office. The administration has repeatedly stressed its commitment to rebuilding public infrastructure and repositioning Abia as a competitive economic destination in the South-East.
The governor also used the occasion to encourage Abia indigenes at home and in the diaspora to invest in the state, assuring them that his administration would prioritise local investors and provide a conducive business environment.
He noted that Abia possesses enormous untapped potential in commerce, real estate, tourism and sports, adding that the government was deliberately opening new economic corridors that could drive long-term prosperity.
Otti further emphasised that sports development remained a strategic tool for youth empowerment and social transformation, noting that talented young people across the state needed modern facilities and opportunities to thrive.
According to him, the proposed sports city would not only host football matches and sporting events but would also serve as a centre for recreation, hospitality and talent development.
The governor praised Chukwueze for making Abia and Nigeria proud on the international stage, describing the footballer as a source of inspiration for young Nigerians pursuing careers in sports.
He commended the Super Eagles star for remaining connected to his roots despite his international success, saying such loyalty and humility deserved recognition.
Chukwueze, in his remarks, thanked the governor for honouring his family during the burial rites of his mother and for showing genuine concern and solidarity during the difficult period.
The footballer expressed appreciation for the governor’s developmental vision and pledged continued support for initiatives capable of uplifting young people in the state.
He also stressed the importance of sports infrastructure in discovering and nurturing future stars, noting that many talented youths in Nigeria lacked access to quality facilities and mentorship opportunities.
Residents and sports enthusiasts in Abia have since welcomed the proposed project, describing it as a bold step that could place the state on the map as a major sporting destination in Nigeria.
Many believe that if completed, the Stadium City could attract national sporting competitions, entertainment events and tourism-related activities capable of boosting the local economy and generating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
The project is also expected to complement ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure in Umuahia and improve the state’s overall investment profile.
For many football fans in Abia, Chukwueze’s visit and the governor’s announcement symbolise a growing partnership between government and successful individuals of Abia origin aimed at promoting development and inspiring the next generation.
