Abia bedrock of para badminton in Africa  —  National Coordinator

Abia State has been described as the bedrock of para badminton in Africa, hence the choice óf the state as the host of this year’s edition of All African Para Badminton Championship.

The National Coordinator, Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma stated this Monday in Umuahia on the occasion of the inauguration of the Main Organizing Committee, MOC by the Abia State government, disclosing “Abia State is the bedrock of para badminton in Africa”.

Ekeoma who said that the game started in Abia State and that the state has been in the forefront of promoting the game in Nigeria and Africa, thanked the state governor, Alex 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, disclosed that the accessible bus (a bus specially made for physically challenged individuals) for the tournament which is the major criterium for the competition is already on the way to Abia.

Inaugurating the committees, Gov. Alex Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu 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, stressing the need for sports managers to think boldly and act with unity of Nigeria as well as prioritize grassroots development and trainings.

The governor who urged the committee not to relent in scouting for talents, mentoring young players and collaborating with schools and local clubs to keep sports alive, advised, “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”.

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 and noted that, pointing out, “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”.

Speaking earlier, the state 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 Gov. Otti, the Abia is now going places in sports, adding that the Governor is making Abia state a sports destination in Nigeria, stating 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 said that by hosting the championship, Governor Otti is positioning Abia state as a beacon of sports development both nationally and internationally, and 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 in West Africa, adding that the Badminton Federation of Nigeria is proud to partner Abia state in the competition.

Earlier, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George assured that the state sports family would not fail the state government, noting “of a truth, sports in this state was almost moribund. I am telling you what I know and know too well. Today, as we speak, the government of the day in Abia, has lifted sports from the dungeon and those at the National Sports Commission, will attest to the fact that sports in Abia is doing well”.

The Main Organizing Committee of the event that will hold hold between September and October is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and both the MOC and LOC have 16 members each.