The countdown to the maiden Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta has officially begun with the launch of the symbolic “Torch of Unity,” which commenced its statewide tour on Wednesday with visits to Nigerian British University (NBU) and Rhema University.
The torch relay, led by Comrade Obioma George, Director of Sports at the Abia State Sports Council, marks the formal kickoff to the Games scheduled for November 25–29, 2025. It also signals the state government’s renewed drive to harness sporting talent across its higher institutions.
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A delegation comprising officials from the Sports Council, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Central Organizing Committee accompanied the torch, highlighting its significance as a symbol of unity, aspiration, and a shared commitment to elevating campus sports culture in Abia State.
At NBU, student leaders Okakpu Chikamso and Victor Uduma received the torch before presenting it to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem B. Fawehinmi, who described the moment as “historic and inspiring.” He pledged to utilize the state-provided ₦500,000 preparatory grant effectively as the institution eyes a strong outing. Student leaders echoed this optimism, declaring their ambition to win the fiesta’s top honours.
The tour continued at Rhema University, where Sports Captain Uche Excel handed the torch to Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ugoani. The institution expressed full readiness for the Games and commended the state’s initiative for promoting collaboration and nurturing athletic growth.
With 23 sporting events on the schedule, the fiesta promises cash prizes for top-performing institutions and medals and certificates for outstanding athletes. Comrade George encouraged students to maintain a balance between sports and academics, stressing that the competition aims to build well-rounded youths who can excel in both spheres.
As the Torch of Unity continues its journey across Abia’s tertiary institutions, it carries a message of hope, healthy competition, and collective progress—setting the tone for what stakeholders believe will be a groundbreaking chapter in the state’s sporting development.
