Distinguished Senator Sir Orji Uzor Kalu’s contribution to sports in Nigeria did not begin with his tenure as Executive Governor of Abia State. Long before becoming governor, he served as a member of the National Sports Commission (NSC) during the Babangida era, when the Commission was chaired by Sabastine William. That early involvement in national sports administration gave him deep insight into the power of sports as a tool for youth development, discipline, and national pride.
When he assumed office as Governor of Abia State, that experience translated into deliberate and visible investment in sports. His administration ushered in what many still regard as the golden era of sports in Abia. Facilities improved, athletes were motivated, and the state’s presence at national competitions became formidable.
The defining moment of that era was Enyimba Football Club’s historic victory as the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League. That triumph placed Abia State firmly on the continental map and restored national confidence in Nigerian club football. It was more than a sporting victory; it was a statement of ambition and belief.
However, football was only part of the story. Across multiple sporting disciplines, Abia State athletes became competitive, confident, and widely respected. The state emerged as a powerhouse at national events, with athletes consistently delivering outstanding performances.
One of the athletes whose life was transformed during that period is Victor Okorie. Following the 1998 National Sports Festival in Imo State, Governor Kalu personally invited and received the athletes, shook hands with them, rewarded them with cash awards, and offered employment opportunities. That direct recognition from the Governor became a defining moment.
Encouraged by that support, Victor Okorie went on to defend his 400m hurdles title at the Bauchi National Sports Festival. His journey subsequently earned him a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University in the United States. From there, he returned to represent Nigeria at the COJA All-Africa Games in Abuja, winning a silver medal in the 400m hurdles. He later represented Nigeria at the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games.
Today, Victor Okorie serves as Performance Director and Liaison of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, a Board Member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and South-East Athletics Chairman. Based in Tennessee, USA, he reflects on that era with pride, describing Governor Kalu’s leadership as life-changing.
For many athletes of that generation, the legacy of Orji Uzor Kalu’s administration remains deeply personal. It was a period when young talents were identified, supported, and given real opportunities to succeed both locally and internationally. The combination of vision, investment, and direct engagement created results that still resonate.
Years later, the impact of that leadership continues to be remembered not only in trophies and medals, but in the lives shaped and the careers launched. It stands as a reminder that when leadership believes in youth potential, the results can echo far beyond a single tenure.
Victor Okorie
Athletics Federation of Nigeria – Performance Director & Liaison
Board Member, Athletics Federation of Nigeria
South-East Athletics Chairman
Tennessee, USA
