Otti Declares Open 1st Abia National Para Powerlifting Championship in Umuahia

_Gov pledges support for inclusion, says Abia open to hosting more para-sports_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Abia State Government has declared open the 1st Abia State Open National Para Powerlifting Championship at the indoor sports hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium, with a pledge to make the state a destination for inclusive sports development.

Declaring the championship open on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the event was more than a competition, but a celebration of ability, courage and inclusion.

“It is a joy for me to be here representing His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, the sports-loving governor. It is a great joy and pride and deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to Abia State for the first edition of the Para Powerlifting Championship proudly hosted and sponsored by the Abia State government,” Ananaba said.

The Commissioner described Para Powerlifting as a sport that demands strength, discipline, mental toughness and dedication.

“Today is not just an opening of a sporting competition, it is a celebration of ability, courage, determination, inclusion, limitless potential, and human spirit,” he stated.

“Every athlete standing before us today has overcome challenges that would have discouraged many, yet you have chosen to focus on what is possible rather than what is impossible.”

He saluted all athletes who traveled from different parts of Nigeria, saying: “You are all champions irrespective of the medal you’re going to win.”

Ananaba said the Otti administration believes disability should never be a barrier to opportunity, dignity and achievement.

“As a government, we believe that disability should never be a barrier to opportunity, dignity, and achievement for national contribution. This is why this administration has continued to place sports and youth development among priorities,” he said.

He added that sports provide opportunities for employment, talent development, national unity, discipline and healthy living, and also help discover young people who can represent Nigeria internationally.

“Hosting this championship in Abia State is therefore deliberate action. We want Abia to be known not only for its commercial strength and entrepreneurship spirit, but also as a destination for sports excellence and inclusive sporting development,” the Commissioner noted.

He commended the organisers for their commitment to the development of powerlifting in Nigeria and urged athletes to compete with determination, fairness and sportsmanship.

“Give your best, respect the other athletes, respect the officials, and remember that every performance here has a potential to inspire a young person who is watching from somewhere in Nigeria,” he said.

Ananaba assured para-athletes that Abia State will continue to support initiatives that promote inclusion and create platforms for persons with disabilities to excel in sports and beyond.

He also noted that the championship being sponsored by the state government demonstrates Governor Otti’s commitment to ensure “that no segment of our society is left behind on the development of sports.”

“Today marks the beginning of what we hope will continue to be a lasting sporting tradition. We want the first edition of this championship to set a standard for future editions and to establish Abia as a welcoming home for para-sports,” he added.

The Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation,James Owadi, represented by the Vice President, Mr. Akutekwe Patrick, commended Governor Alex Otti for hosting the 1st Abia State Open National Para Powerlifting Championship, describing him as the first Governor in the Southeast to sponsor and host a para-powerlifting competition.

The Federation VP also acknowledged the President of the Federation, Mr. James Owadi, as a philanthropist who personally sponsored a national para-powerlifting competition and has invited the federation to Benue State in February 2027 for another championship.

Speaking on the history of the sport in Nigeria, Akutekwe, a pioneer of para powerlifting who started in 1991, recalled winning seven gold medals and one bronze for Nigeria before retirement.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Sports, Mr. Raymond Ukwa commended the state government for hosting the 1st Abia State Open National Para Powerlifting Championship, describing it as a historic privilege for the state.

In a vote of thanks he Secretary of the Abia State Sports Council, Jerry Basil Udeh, expressed gratitude to *Governor Alex Otti for hosting Championship, describing it as the first national competition of its kind to be held in the state since its creation.

The event, sponsored by the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, brought together para-athletes from across Nigeria to compete in Umuahia.