ABIA GAINS GLOBAL RECOGNITION, SET TO HOST TWO INTERNATIONAL PARA BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

…Emetu describes it as a statement of our capacity, hospitality and vision.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu,FNSE, has opined that para sports have an incredible ability to break down barriers, inspire us, challenge our perceptions, and showcase the unbreakable spirit of humanity.

Emetu, who doubles as the Chairman, Main Organizing Committee for the championships, expressed this during the Media and Marketing Reveal and Interactive Luncheon of the First Abia Para Badminton International, which is sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and the All-African Para Badminton Championships, organized under the Para Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA).

He described the Championships as “a new chapter in our journey towards inclusivity, global recognition, and development through sports.

“Hosting these championships is more than a sporting achievement. It is a statement of our capacity, our hospitality, and our vision.

“For the very first time, para badminton athletes from all over the continent and beyond will gather on Abia soil, and we are genuinely honored to be the hosts”, Emetu expressed with delight.

He expressed his sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of the Governor, His Excellency Dr.Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, stating that “the current administration is dedicated to creating an Abia that truly works for everyone; a place where individuals from all walks of life, with different abilities and dreams, can flourish.

“This is not just talk; it’s our guiding principle, and you can see it in how we are weaving inclusive development into every area, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and sports.

He described the participating Para athletes as the heart of these championships and urged them to compete with pride, play fair, and allow their determination and skill to inspire us all.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba thanked Governor Otti for releasing funds to ensure the championship games are a success, and for giving the green light to buy a specialized mobility bus for Abia athletes, which will help improve their transportation and accessibility during competitions.

He praised the Governor for acquiring state-of-the-art para-badminton maintenance equipment, which is the first of its kind in Africa, setting a new standard for sports development across the continent.

The National Coordinator of the Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma, expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti for his unwavering support in making this event a reality.

He disclosed that the objective of the Media and Marketing Reveal is to inform the global community that Abia State is prepared to host the inaugural Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All African Para Badminton Championship with 16 countries and over 200 players registered to participate.

The two international championships will take place between 30th September – 5th October 2025 and 6th – 12th October 2025, respectively.

The Media and Marketing Reveal and Interactive Luncheon was held at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout Umuahia, and was attended by government appointees, stakeholders and the media.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary To The Deputy Governor of Abia State
August 12, 2025.