NEWS
ABA NORTH TO REVIVE SCHOOL SPORTS AS CHAIRMAN, HON. TIMOTHY IHEKE UNVEILS ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL INITIATIVE
The Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has announced plans to introduce an annual Local Government Sports Festival for schools across Aba North as part of efforts to revive sporting activities and talent discovery among students.
Hon. Iheke made the announcement during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, where hundreds of pupils and students from primary and secondary schools gathered in colourful displays of unity, creativity and talent.
Addressing the children, teachers, parents and dignitaries at the event, the Mayor described Children’s Day as not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to interact closely with the younger generation and inspire them towards a brighter future.
He highlighted the strong commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to the welfare and educational advancement of children across Abia State.
According to him, the ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the recruitment of over 4,000 teachers in the first phase and plans for another batch of recruitment, are aimed at improving the standard of learning in public schools.
The Chairman also pointed to the smart schools being established by the state government as part of efforts to reposition education and equip children with modern learning opportunities.
Speaking on the growing concerns over cult-related activities among young people, Hon. Iheke urged students to remain focused on their education and avoid destructive social influences. He called on teachers and school administrators to strengthen disciplinary structures capable of identifying and curbing such tendencies before they spread within secondary schools.
He further stressed that his administration would intensify sporting engagements in schools to keep students positively engaged, while broadening participation beyond football to other sporting activities capable of discovering hidden talents among children.
The Aba North Mayor noted that the era when students naturally discovered and developed sporting talents in schools had gradually faded, adding that deliberate efforts must now be made to revive school sports and restore the culture of talent development among young people.
He commended Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development for rekindling sports development initiatives in schools across the state.
Hon. Iheke also emphasized the critical role parents play in shaping the future of their children, maintaining that while teachers educate children academically, parents remain responsible for instilling discipline, values and proper upbringing at home.
He concluded by urging parents to pay closer attention to the protection and welfare of children, especially the girl child, in order to safeguard them from abuse and sexual harassment.
The Children’s Day celebration featured colourful march pasts, dance performances and competitions involving various primary and secondary schools within Aba North Local Government Area.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi; Leader of the Aba North Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Sunday; HRH Eze Ikechukwu Amalagha; Aba North Head of Service, Mr. Madubuike Samuel Eke; the Aba North Education Secretary, Mrs. Ngozi Omenazu; Supervisor for Works, Lands and Transport, Hon. Okeoma Nwaogbe JP; alongside local government officials, community leaders, teachers 
and other stakeholders.