Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 224 athletes from over 20 countries are expected to participate in the 2025 International and All-African Para-Badminton Championships to be hosted by Abia State.
Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu disclosed this during a press conference on Tuesday in Umuahia, saying the state was fully prepared to host the global tournaments.
According to him, the championships are scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 12, 2025, in Umuahia, the state capital.
He said the tournaments already had the endorsement of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA).
Emetu explained that the events—organised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Abia State Badminton Association, in partnership with the Abia State Government—were expected to enhance Abia’s reputation as “an emerging destination for global sports” and to set a new benchmark for para sports hosting in Nigeria and Africa.
The Deputy Governor noted that Abia would be the first Nigerian state to host international para-badminton events, describing it as a testament to the efforts of the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration to revolutionise sports in the state.
As Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Emetu described the events as “a turning point in the state’s sports development and a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and international cooperation.”
He reiterated the State Government’s resolve to make sports one of the major sectors for creating job opportunities for youths.
“This initiative reflects our belief that talent knows no physical limitation. Every athlete deserves the chance to compete, inspire, and excel on the global stage.
“Hosting these championships is more than a sporting achievement—it is a statement of our capacity, our hospitality, and our vision,” he said.
Highlighting the socio-economic benefits of the tournaments, Emetu added that they would boost commercial activities in the hospitality, tourism, and transport industries.
He called on corporate bodies and institutions to take advantage of the tournament to showcase their products and services, and urged participating athletes to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline.
In his contribution, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the State Government had released funds for the successful hosting of the championships.
He commended Governor Otti for approving the purchase of a specialised wheelchair-friendly mobility bus for Abia athletes to enhance their transportation and accessibility during competitions.
The Commissioner also lauded the procurement of “cutting-edge para-badminton maintenance equipment, the first of its kind in Africa,” saying Abia State had “set a new benchmark for sports development on the African continent.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks via Zoom, the National President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, commended Gov. Otti for his commitment and support for sports development, particularly para-badminton.
Orbih assured the full support of the federation for the events, while urging other states to emulate Abia in sports development.
Earlier, the National Coordinator for Para-Badminton and 2nd Vice President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Ekeoma Samuel, expressed readiness to successfully host the tournament.
“We wish to use this opportunity to inform the world that we are fully prepared to host the first-ever Para-Badminton Games in Umuahia.
“This sporting event will be the first of its kind to be hosted in the state. We have secured the hosting rights from both the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa,” he said.
