Abia State is on the verge of launching a dedicated Special Sports Economic Zone, a strategic initiative designed to significantly boost sports-related commerce, create substantial employment opportunities for the youth, and enhance the state's internally generated revenue. The plan is currently in its advanced stages, according to the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu.
Mr. Kanu shared this development with reporters in Umuahia following a State Executive Council meeting. He explained that the zone is envisioned to harness the creative capabilities of local artisans involved in fashion, leather goods, and the production of sportswear and footwear. The project is expected to foster a thriving sports merchandising market with reach across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Sports Nigeria and the Abia State Government, formalized through a recently signed proposal. "The project, when fully completed and operational, will yield huge revenue for the state through taxes payable by the partners involved, while also creating jobs for the teeming unemployed Abia youths," Mr. Kanu stated.
He further highlighted that the state's commitment to youth and sports development is already showing positive outcomes, pointing to recent successes in various sporting competitions. Abia recently secured the top position in the inaugural South-East Open Dance Competition and also emerged victorious in the maiden Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club.
In line with its strategy, the government has also partnered with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, to offer a National Diploma in Sports Management. This program aims to bridge theory and practice, equipping graduates with essential skills for a productive life in sports management, even after active participation.
Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Abia's rich pool of artisans renowned for producing footwear and other goods marketed both domestically and internationally. He noted that these artisans would be instrumental in producing sports merchandise like football trainers and gym equipment for distribution across Africa.
Mr. Ananaba added that the sports management program, developed in conjunction with the polytechnic, would provide a sustainable career path for athletes and sports managers post-retirement, enabling them to pursue professions such as sports therapy and sports psychology.
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