Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that construction of the highly anticipated Umuahia Stadium City will begin before the end of 2026, describing the project as a game-changing investment designed to drive sports development and economic growth across the state.
The governor made the disclosure on Sunday while receiving Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze and members of his entourage at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Chukwueze, who currently plays club football in Europe, visited the governor to express gratitude for the support and solidarity extended to him and his family during the burial of his late mother.
Speaking during the meeting, Otti revealed that the state government has already secured the land for the ambitious project and is currently conducting 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 the feasibility stage. Because we are not just building a stadium, we are building a stadium city, like a sports village,” the governor said.
According to him, the development will extend far beyond a conventional sporting facility. The proposed Stadium City will include hotels, residential estates, and other commercial attractions aimed at creating jobs, attracting investors, and transforming the surrounding area into a thriving economic hub.
“There will be hotels, there will be estates, and there will be other attractions just to develop that part of the state. We want our people to come and invest here. Whatever interests you, we will give priority to our people,” Otti added.
The governor also commended Chukwueze for his achievements on the international stage, describing the footballer as a proud ambassador of Abia State and Nigeria. He assured the winger of the government’s continued support and encouraged him to remain connected to his roots despite personal challenges.
Otti further expressed sympathy over the death of Chukwueze’s mother, urging the football star to stay strong and continue visiting home.
In his remarks, Chukwueze praised the governor’s leadership and the visible transformation taking place across Abia State. He said he had closely followed the administration’s infrastructure projects and was impressed by the progress recorded, particularly in Umuahia.
“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 said.
The Super Eagles winger also welcomed the Stadium City initiative, describing it as a strategic investment that would boost sports development, create opportunities for young athletes, and elevate Abia’s profile as a destination for sporting events.
He pledged to support youth and sports development initiatives in the state, stressing that giving back to the community that shaped his journey remains a personal priority.
“It is my hometown and where I grew up. It made me who I am today, and I cannot forget where I came from. I intend to invest in sports development for the youth, and I am already working on it gradually, step by step,” he stated.
