United States-based former Nigerian hurdler, Victor Okorie, says the emergence of Dr. Alex Otti as Governor of Abia State in the just concluded election will re-open doors for sporting activities to thrive in the state.
Dr. Otti of the Labour Party was declared the winner in the just concluded Gubertnatory Election in Abia State.
Speaking with The Guardian from his base in the United States, Okorie, who is the current Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said: “1 congratulate Dr. Alex Otti on his victory at the polls. In the last 24 years, the only sporting activities in Abia were Enyimba and Abia Warriors Football Clubs. There were no noticeable talent identification and development programs in schools and community centers. But all that will change now that Dr. Otti has emerged as our governor,” he stated.
Okorie, who is the Founder, of Abia State Sports Men and Women in the Diaspora, further stated that sports in Abia would receive optimal support under the administration of Governor Otti.
“I know Dr. Otti as a sports-loving person. That was the reason why Abia State Sports Men and Women in the Diaspora endorsed him on March 7 ahead of the governorship election. Now, I am sure the doors will re-open for training and certification of coaches in Abia State, and competitions at all levels will be organized in several sports,” he stated.
In his active days as an athlete, Okorie achieved a lot for Abia State, including capturing the 400m hurdles gold medal at Imo ‘98 National Sports Festival as well as Bauchi 2000 edition. He was a silver medalist for Nigeria at the 2003 All-African Games held in Abuja. And as the Southeast representative on the current AFN Board, Okorie led Team Nigeria to the last World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA, where Tobi Amusan set the nation’s first-ever world record.
In the past three years, Okorie, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in the United States, has been giving scholarships to five Abia athletes. He also pays monthly stipends to Southeast athletes and coaches since then.
