Committees Inaugurated for 1st Abia State Para Badminton, All African Para Badminton Championships

The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 1st Abia State Para Badminton International Championship and All African Para Badminton Championship has been inaugurated.

The championship, scheduled to hold in Abia between between 30th September and 16th October, 2025, has the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu as the Chairman of the MOC with 16 members each.

Inaugurating the committees in Government House Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti expressed his desire for Abia to be known, not only for its enterprise but also for athletic excellence.

The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, 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.

“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.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba said that the present administration is making Abia state a sports destination in Nigeria.

He noted that attracting the hosting of the first International and Para Badminton Championship is an evidence of successes achieved  by the Governor.

In his speech, the President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih described the event as a significant milestone for Abia, Nigeria and entire African continent, as it is the first time International Para Badminton championship is being hosted in Nigeria and West Africa.

Contributing, Abia born National Coordinator, Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma described Abia as the bedrock of Para Badminton in Africa, as the game started in the state noting that Abia has been in the forefront of promoting the game in Nigeria and Africa.

Ekeoma thanked Governor Otti for his support in the sports development especially the para badminton and for making everything available to ensure the success of the event in Abia.

Earlier, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George thanked the Governor for all he is doing for sports in Abia state.

George while assuring that the state sports family would not fail the state government, noted that sports in the state was almost moribund until the present administration came to revive it.