Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hosted Super Eagles winger and Abia-born football star, Samuel Chukwueze, at the Government House in Umuahia during a recent visit that also highlighted major development plans for sports infrastructure in the state.

During the meeting, Governor Otti revealed that the state government is preparing to commence construction of the proposed Umuahia Stadium City before the end of the year.Otti explained that land for the project has already been secured, and the initiative is currently at the feasibility stage.According to him, the plan goes beyond a standard stadium project, as the government intends to develop a full sports city or sports village.

The proposed development is expected to include a modern stadium alongside supporting infrastructure such as hotels, residential estates, and other facilities aimed at boosting economic activity in the area and turning the corridor into a sports and investment hub.

The governor used the opportunity to encourage indigenes of Abia State to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities, stressing that priority would be given to local investors.

He also praised Chukwueze for his achievements in football and for representing Abia State positively on the international stage, assuring him of continued government support.

In response, Chukwueze commended the governor for ongoing infrastructural improvements across the state, particularly the visible transformation of roads in Umuahia.

He described the proposed Stadium City project as a strategic investment that would help develop young sporting talents and strengthen sports development in Abia State.

The AC Milan winger also expressed his intention to contribute to sports development in his home state, noting that he is already working on plans to give back to the community that shaped his career.He further appreciated the governor’s support following the loss of his mother, describing the visit as both personal and developmental in nature.