Abia Finalises Plan for Special Sports Economic Zone

The Abia State Government has announced that plans are at an advanced stage to establish a Special Sports Economic Zone aimed at boosting sports merchandising, youth employment and internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

Kanu said the initiative was designed to unlock the creative potential of local artisans involved in fashion, leather works, sportswear and footwear production. He explained that the project would give rise to a sports merchandising market serving not only Abia State but Nigeria and the wider African continent.

According to him, the zone, when fully operational, would generate substantial revenue for the state through taxes from participating partners, while also creating employment opportunities for unemployed youths.

The commissioner noted that the project is being driven through a partnership between Sports Nigeria and the Abia State Government, adding that a formal proposal had already been signed to facilitate its implementation.

Kanu further stated that the state’s investment in youth and sports development was already yielding results, citing recent achievements in sporting competitions. He recalled that Abia hosted the maiden South-East Open Dance Competition, where it emerged overall winner, and also clinched first position at the inaugural Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club.

He added that the government had strengthened sports development by integrating academic learning with practical experience through a partnership with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, to offer a National Diploma in Sports Management. The programme, he said, would equip graduates with the skills required to build sustainable careers after active participation in sports.

Kanu disclosed that the first batch of students admitted into the programme had recently been matriculated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, highlighted the state’s strength in skilled artisans known for producing high-quality shoes and related products for local and international markets.

He said the artisans would be engaged in producing football trainers, gym equipment and other sports merchandise for markets across Africa. Ananaba added that the sports management programme would also provide career pathways for athletes and sports professionals after retirement, including opportunities in sports therapy, sports psychology and related fields.