Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday hosted Super Eagles winger and Abia-born international footballer, Samuel Chukwueze, in Umuahia, where he announced plans to commence construction of the proposed Umuahia Stadium City before the end of the year.
Chukwueze, who visited the governor alongside friends, was in the Government House to express appreciation for Otti’s support and presence during the burial of his late mother.
Speaking during the visit, Otti said land for the project had already been acquired, adding that the state was currently at the feasibility stage.
“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 the feasibility stage. We are not just building a stadium; we are building a stadium city, like a sports village.
“There will be hotels, estates and other attractions to develop that corridor,” he said.
The governor also urged indigenes of the state to take advantage of investment opportunities in Abia, assuring that priority would be given to locals.
“We would like our people to come and invest here. Pick whatever is of interest to you, and we will give priority to our people,” Otti added.
Otti commended Chukwueze for his achievements in football and for serving as a positive ambassador of Abia State, assuring him of continued government support.
“Let me also congratulate you on your achievements and for representing the state very well.
“We can assure you of our support. If there are things that we can do, just let us know. We like to support our own wherever they are,” he said.
He also condoled with the footballer over the death of his mother, describing the loss as painful and urging him to remain strong.
Responding, Chukwueze praised the governor’s developmental strides, saying the transformation across the state was visible, especially in road infrastructure.
“I have been seeing the good work 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,” he said.
The AC Milan winger described the proposed Stadium City project as a major investment in the future of sports development in Abia, noting that it would create opportunities for young talents and boost sporting activities in the state.
Chukwueze also pledged to support sports development in Abia, saying he was already working on plans to give back to the community that shaped his career.
“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,” he said.