Making Sports a Business in Abia State Nigeria

First, Abia State does not have internal funds to build any stadium. But Abians have the capabilities to work with investors to build a stadium. Our aspiration is to have a FIFA-level stadium in our state, and I am happy that our leadership has started some basic things.

This makes sense since Abia has Nigeria’s most successful football club with a brand reputation that is unmatched among young people. If we provide Enyimba FC with a home, we can build a new vista in Abia’s economy. Yes, sports is business, and Abia wants to make sports business, not just an entertainment vector. We have Abia Warriors there.

Papillo, Nwankwo Kanu, one of Africa’s finest strikers is handling the affairs of the club, and will continue to ensure that Enyimba remains the best. Sir Obilor Ananaba, Abia’s commissioner for Sports, is coordinating the sports infrastructure. His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, is the grand strategist, making sure Abians get the dividends of democracy.

Some initial phases for the 35,000 FIFA-approved stadium have commenced in Aba, Abia State, with soil tests, environmental impact assessments, etc.  The next phase is YOU – the investor; we want you to come. We’re also looking for a sports TV channel investors because if we have to make sports a business, Abia Sports needs to be on the air.

Secondary Technical School Ovim will play a game in the Governor’s Secondary School Unity Games; if there is a TV channel, I would have asked the principal/the state to allow me call the game. Imagine the fun if Sausa, ex-football strategist of STS Ovim, is in the booth, calling the match.

Let us know the depth of your imaginations, and Abia will explain how we’re the best place in Africa to make those happen. #InvestInAbia

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

Member, Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council

Co-Chair, Abia State Economic Transformation Council

2021 Most Outstanding Abia Professional in the Diaspora

2021 Abia Ambassador

First, Abia State does not have internal funds to build any stadium. But Abians have the capabilities to work with investors to build a stadium. Our inspiration is to have a FIFA-level stadium in our state, and I am happy that our leadership has started some basic things.

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— Ndubuisi Ekekwe (@ndekekwe) March 28, 2024

Comment on Feed

Comment: “As always only the ultra-wealthy gain from [constructing a stadium via PPP in Aba]. How does this improve the lives and living conditions of the poor and middle-class Abians? Please enlighten me.”

My Response: You keep missing the links because you see things from a pessimistic view. If I ask you about the largest companies in Madrid or Barcelona, you may have the answers, but you do not expect that in Africa.  It is unfortunate that people cannot see a future where Enyimba FC could become one of the largest companies in Aba just like Real Madrid is a top-10 company in Madrid.  

Our current limitations must not cloud our ability to think. Abia has a literacy rate of 96% (federal data), and it has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world (UNESCO data), so, if we take those, some basic things have been done. What we need now is acceleration. And upon this stadium, we can have a unicorn with  mini companies supporting it.

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