Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti Friday, inaugurated the Main Organizing Committee ( MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 1st Abia State Para-badminton International Championship; and and All African Para Badminton Championship scheduled to hold in Abia from 30th September to 16th October, 2025.
Inaugurating the committees in Government House Umuahia, Gov. Otti applauded the efforts of sports managers in Nigeria and expressed his desire for Abia to be known, not only for its enterprise but for its athletic excellence.
The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, stressed the need for sports managers to think boldly and act with unity of Nigeria as well as prioritize grassroots development and trainings.
He urged them not to relent in scouting for talents, mentoring young players and collaborating with schools and local clubs to keep sports alive.
“Let Abia be known not only for its enterprise but for its athletic excellence.
“I applaud your efforts so far and urge you not to relent. Continue to scout for talent, mentor young players, and collaborate with schools and local clubs to keep the sports alive and vibrant.
“Let us prioritize grassroots development, training programmes for coaches, better facilities, and most importantly, opportunities for our young athletes to compete—locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Governor Otti commended the unwavering commitment and the leadership the Badminton Federation of Nigeria has shown in nurturing the growth of badminton across the nation, and especially in Abia State.
“Through your hard work, strategic planning, and passion, you have laid a strong foundation for a sport that promotes physical fitness, mental agility, and social cohesion.
“Your presence here today signifies your commitment to developing the game, not just in major cities, but in every state and community where talent and ambition reside.
“Your guidance and partnerships with state bodies like Abia are essential in spreading the reach and impact of badminton across the country,” Gov. Otti stated.
Speaking at the event the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said that the present administration met sports in a dead state in Abia but because of the support of Governor Otti, Abia is now going places in sports.
He said the Governor is making Abia State a sports destination in Nigeria, adding that attracting the hosting of the first international and para badminton championship is an evidence of successes achieved by the Governor. He informed that the Governor has sponsored the athletes to about seven international events including the recently concluded Olympics where Abia won gold with a world record and silver medals.
He thanked the Governor for his approval and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its support and collaboration.
In his speech, the President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, appreciated Governor Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and unwavering support to an inclusive sports. He said that by hosting the championship, Governor Otti is positioning Abia state as a beacon of sports development both nationally and internationally.
He described the event as a significant milestone for Abia, Nigeria and entire African continent, revealing that it is the first time international para badminton championship is being hosted in Nigeria and West Africa. He added that the Badminton Federation of Nigeria is proud to partner Abia state in the competition.
The Abia born National Coordinator, Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma disclosed that Abia State is the bedrock of parabadmitton in Africa, saying that the game started in Abia State as Abia has been in the forefront of promoting the game in Nigeria and Africa.
He thanked Governor Otti for his support in the sports development especially the parabadminton. He appreciated Governor Otti for making everything available to ensure the success of the event in Abia and disclosed that the accessible bus (a bus specially made for physically challenged individuals) for the tournament which is the major criterion for the competition is already on the way to Abia.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George thanked the Governor for all he is doing for sports in Abia State.
While assuring that the state sports family would not fail the state government, Comrade George noted that, “of a truth, sports in this state was almost moribund. I am telling you what I know and know too well.
“And today, as we speak, the government of the day in Abia, the government that has come to work has brought sports from the dungeon and those at the National Sports Commission will attest to the fact that sports in Abia is doing well,” George stated.
The MOC is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Eng. Emetu. Both the MOC and LOC have have 16 members each.
