The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has called on the National Sports Commission to deepen its sports development partnership with the state by patronising made in Aba sports shoes and other sportswear.
Otti made this appeal when a delegation of the NSC led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko visited the governor.
In a statement issued by Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s chief press secretary, Otti said his administration has taken a giant step by setting up the Aba Export Growth Lab to standardise every product emanating from the State.
“When you talk of apparel, fabrics, shoes, and other fashion products, everything is Abia. Yesterday, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, we commissioned the Aba Export Growth Lab. The idea is to have a structured way to support apparel, garments and leather industrialists.
“To upgrade their products, make them more competitive, brand them properly, and also create access to markets, particularly international markets,” Otti said.
He added that his administration perceives sports as a uniting factor and catalyst for the economic rejuvenation of Abia and noted that his administration is doing everything possible for the promotion of sports.
According to Otti, his administration has mapped out a new site for the establishment of a FIFA standard stadium which will accommodate a games village and other sporting activities.
The Abia State governor said that the sports economy is the way to go as sports can build the future of youths and create opportunities for them
“So, when you talk of sports economy, I agree with you completely. That is the direction we are going. We are also very open, even players, our young people, bringing them on, catching them young, and supporting them to grow.
“You know the truth about this is that when you do some of these things, you may not know exactly what impact you are making. Some of these people (being empowered) will never return to poverty,” Otti stated.
