The Deputy Governor of Abia state,Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has called on all stakeholders ,government agencies,corporate sponsors,the media,sports association and citizen of Abia to support the First Abia Para Badminton international championship and the All African Parabadminton Championship that is scheduled to take place from September 30 to Octobee 5 and October 6 to October 12 in Umuahia ,Abia state.
The Deputy Governor who doubles as Chairman main organizing committee of the event made this call in his address while flagging off on behalf of the Governor of Abia State the First Abia Para Badminton Championship and All African Para Badminton Championship at the Abia International Conference Center(ICC) at Secretariat Road ,Umuahia Abia state.
He noted that this back to back world class events ,sanctioned respectively by Badminton World Federation(BWF) and the Badminton Confederation Africa(BCA),marks a defining moment in our state’s sports history.
In his words”Hosting these championships in Abia is more than a sporting achievement,it is a statement of our capacity ,hospitality and vision,”.
Engr Emetu stated unequivocally that the events would not have been possible without the vision and unwavering support of the sport loving Governor,His Excellency Dr Alex C Otti OFR whom under his leadership has placed inclusion ,diversity and opportunity at the heart of our development agenda
He highlighted that the inflow of people into Abia will stimulate our local economy from hospitality and tourism to transport and small businesses and called on para athletes from Abia to compete with pride ,play fair,and know that they are already champions.
He further encouraged Abians to come out enmasse and fill the stadium stands ,cheers our athletes,volunteer our services and project the image of Abia to the world.
Earlier in his remark the Commissioner for Sport Hon Nwaobilor Ananaba noted that Abia is about to take a bold step in history by hosting two monumental events,the Parabadminton International Championship and the All African Para Badminton Championship respectively.
He saluted the exceptional leadership of his Excellency Dr Alex Otti whose vision and resolve has made it possible.He exposed that renovations of the venue is ongoing and that mobility bus for conveying disabled person involved in the sports will be provided.Also speaking,the National Coordinator Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria ,Mr Samuel Ekeoma revealed that the purpose of the flag off and press briefing is to let the world,government ,stakeholders and Nigerians to know that Abia State is ready to host first-ever Abia Parabadminton intl championship and the All African Parabadminton Championship.
He state that it is a massive and high level tournament as 16 countries and over 200 players have registered for the championship.He also thanked his Excellency for making this a reality through his unalloyed support and promised that the event will be a success.The flag off event had in attendance top government officials and top officials of Parabadminton Federation of Nigeria
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Deputy Governor’s Correspondent
12-08-2025
