Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday received Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze at the Government House in Umuahia, where he announced plans to commence construction of the proposed Umuahia Stadium City before the end of the year.

Chukwueze, an Abia-born international footballer, visited the governor alongside friends to express appreciation for the support and condolences extended to his family during the burial of his late mother.

Speaking during the visit, Otti disclosed that the state government had already secured land for the project and was currently conducting feasibility studies ahead of construction.

“I’m sure before the end of the year, we will flag off the construction of the new Umuahia Stadium,” the governor said.

“The land is already acquired, and we are at the feasibility stage. We are not just building a stadium; we are building a stadium city, like a sports village. There will be hotels, estates and other attractions to develop that corridor.”

According to Otti, the project is designed to serve as a major sports and economic hub that will stimulate development and attract investment to the area.

The governor also encouraged Abia indigenes to take advantage of investment opportunities within the state, assuring them of government support and priority consideration.

“We would like our people to come and invest here. Pick whatever is of interest to you, and we will give priority to our people,” he added.

Otti commended Chukwueze for his accomplishments on the international football stage and praised him for projecting a positive image of Abia State across the world.

“Let me also congratulate you on your achievements and for representing the state very well. We can assure you of our support. If there are things that we can do, just let us know. We like to support our own wherever they are,” the governor said.

He also expressed sympathy to the footballer over the loss of his mother and encouraged him to remain strong during the difficult period.

In his response, Chukwueze applauded the governor for the visible transformation taking place across the state, particularly in road infrastructure and urban development.

“I have been seeing the good work the governor is doing. When I came back and saw Umuahia, it was completely different,” he said.

“The roads have improved greatly, and the transformation is visible. He deserves every accolade for the good work he has been doing.”

The AC Milan winger described the proposed Stadium City as a significant investment in the future of sports in Abia, noting that it would help nurture young talents and promote sporting activities across the state.

Chukwueze also pledged his commitment to supporting sports development in Abia, revealing that he was already working on initiatives aimed at empowering young people through sports.

“I intend to invest in sports development for the youth, and I am already working on it gradually, step by step.

“It is my hometown and where I grew up. It made me who I am today, and I cannot forget where I came from,” he said.