NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Unveils Plans For Umuahia Stadium City, Promises Construction Will Begin Before Year End
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has disclosed that construction of the proposed Umuahia Stadium City will commence before the end of the year, describing the ambitious project as a major sports and economic hub designed to transform the state.
The Governor made the disclosure on Sunday while receiving Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, and members of his entourage at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.
Chukwueze had visited the Governor to express appreciation for the support and solidarity extended to him during the burial of his late mother.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti revealed that the Abia State Government had already secured the land needed for the project and had commenced 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 feasibility stage. Because we are not just building a stadium, we are building a stadium city, like a sports village,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti explained that the project would go beyond football and sporting activities, noting that the Stadium City would feature complementary infrastructure and investment opportunities capable of stimulating economic growth and urban expansion in the state.
“There will be hotel, there will be estates. There will be other attractions just to develop that path.
“We will like our people to come and invest here. Pick whatever that is of interest to you. You may be interested in one thing or the other, and we will give priority to our people,” he added.
The Governor further congratulated Chukwueze for his outstanding achievements in international football, describing him as a proud ambassador of Abia State and Nigeria whose success continues to inspire young people across the country.
“Let me also 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 also let us know. We like to support our own anywhere they are,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor also sympathised with the football star over the death of his mother, describing the loss as painful and monumental, while encouraging him to remain strong despite the difficult moment.
He urged the Super Eagles forward not to disconnect from his roots, stressing the importance of maintaining strong ties with home even in moments of grief and personal challenges.
Earlier, Chukwueze commended the developmental strides of the Otti administration, describing the ongoing transformation across Abia State as clear evidence of purposeful and visionary leadership.
The football star stated that he had closely followed developments in the state and was particularly impressed by the scale of infrastructural projects currently being executed by the government.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Umuahia, Chukwueze noted that the state capital had witnessed significant improvements, especially in road infrastructure and urban renewal.
“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 stated.
The Super Eagles winger also praised the proposed Stadium City project, describing it as a strategic investment capable of boosting sports development, creating opportunities for young talents and positioning Abia State as a major destination for sporting activities in Nigeria.
He further pledged his commitment to youth and sports development in the state as part of efforts to give back to the community that contributed to his growth and success.
“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.