Governor Alex Otti of Abia State officially launched the first South-East Shooting Competition on Tuesday in Umuahia, describing the sport as a key platform for youth development and talent discovery.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Otti emphasized that the competition is part of his administration’s commitment to broadening the state’s sports development beyond traditional disciplines.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, the governor highlighted that shooting is a recognised Olympic sport with significant potential to produce national and international champions when nurtured from the grassroots.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s support for emerging sports, stressing that initiatives like the shooting competition can create new opportunities for young people and enhance Abia’s presence in national sporting events.
“Introducing shooting alongside boxing, football, and basketball is part of our strategy to empower youths and improve our medal prospects in major competitions,” he said, commending the Shooting Association of Abia for organizing the event.
He assured that government backing would continue for sports associations demonstrating discipline, transparency, and a commitment to youth development.
The governor noted that shooting had already shown promise, citing Abia athletes’ medal-winning performances at the last National Sports Festival, which convinced the government to invest further in the sport.
He added that the grassroots competition would serve as a platform to identify and nurture young shooters for representation at state, national, and international levels, with the long-term goal of producing Olympic-caliber athletes.
“Our strategy is to engage young talents through community-based competitions and structured training programs, ensuring Abia continues to grow a pool of skilled athletes capable of national and international success,” Otti said.
Cmdre Mohammed Shettima (rtd.), President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation, represented by Lt.-Cmdr. Peter Ogbe, praised Abia State for its proactive approach to sports development and for hosting the federation’s first South-East shooting competition.
The South-East Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Mr Bernard Ezemma, lauded the government’s vision in promoting grassroots sports, noting that solid foundations produce athletes who progress to national levels.
Abia’s Director of Sports, Mr George Obioma, reiterated the state government’s commitment to developing all sports disciplines, highlighting that the state has consistently performed well in national events and that shooting athletes have already earned medals at the National Youth Games.
NSC South-East Zonal Representative for Shooting, Mrs Paschaline Edozie, highlighted the substantial investment in the competition, including shooting ranges costing between N10 million and N15 million, and pellets valued at up to N60,000 each.
She confirmed that athletes from all five South-East states participated, acknowledging the support of the Abia Sports Council and media coverage that helped promote the event.
The program included a seminar from Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, followed by the shooting competition from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, featuring two categories—Under-15 (male and female) and Senior (male and female)—with 150 competitors participating across 105 individual entries.
The launch signals a new era for shooting sports in Abia, setting the stage for structured talent development and stronger representation in national and international competitions.