Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to commence the construction of the proposed Umuahia Stadium City before the end of the year, describing the ambitious project as a major step towards transforming the state into a hub for sports and investment.
Governor Otti disclosed this while receiving Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze and a delegation of friends at the Government House in Umuahia. The football star visited the governor to express gratitude for his support and presence during the burial of his late mother last weekend.
Speaking during the meeting on Sunday, Otti revealed that land for the project had already been secured and that the government was currently conducting feasibility studies ahead of the official groundbreaking ceremony.
“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,” the governor said.
According to him, the project goes beyond the construction of a conventional stadium and is designed as a comprehensive sports city that will stimulate economic growth and attract investors.
“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 axis. We want our people to come and invest here, and we will give priority to our people,” Otti stated.
The governor also commended Chukwueze for his achievements on the international stage, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Abia State and assuring him of the government’s support.
“Let me congratulate you for the great feat and for representing the state very well. We can assure you of our support. If there are things that we can do, you just let us know. We like to support our own wherever they are,” he said.
Otti further sympathized with the footballer over the loss of his mother, describing her death as a monumental loss and encouraging him to remain strong while maintaining his connection with his roots.
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Earlier, Chukwueze thanked the governor for standing by him and his family during their period of mourning. He also praised the administration’s developmental efforts, noting that the visible transformation across the state reflected purposeful leadership.
The AC Milan star said he was particularly impressed by the improvements in road infrastructure and the changing landscape of Umuahia.
“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 remarked.
The Super Eagles forward also applauded the proposed Stadium City project, describing it as a strategic investment that would boost sports development and create opportunities for young talents across the state.
He pledged his commitment to contributing to sports development in Abia, stressing his desire to give back to the community that played a key role in shaping his 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,” Chukwueze said.
The planned Umuahia Stadium City is expected to combine modern sporting facilities with commercial and residential infrastructure, positioning Abia as a growing destination for sports, tourism, and investment in Nigeria.
