GOV OTTI INAUGURATES COMMITTEE FOR THE 1ST ABIA STATE PARA BADMINTON INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT/ALL AFRICAN PARA BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has commended the members of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for their unwavering commitment in nurturing the growth of Badminton across the country.

Governor Otti gave the compliment during the inauguration of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 1st Abia State Para Badminton International Tournament/All African Para Badminton Championship holding between September 30 to October 16, 2025 in Umuahia, the state capital.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who serves as the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), described badminton as a classy game which creates safe environment for youth engagement under the guidance of dedicated coaches and administrators.

“Badminton may be a fast-paced and elegant game, but behind every match is a team of dedicated administrators, coaches, volunteers, and visionaries like you who work tirelessly to create opportunities for our young talents to thrive. Your efforts have not only helped produce athletes of national repute, but have also created safe spaces for youth engagement, community building, and positive lifestyle choices”.

The Governor while expressing confidence over the growing interest in the game of badminton in the state, called for continued support and collaboration among key stakeholders.

“In Abia State, the potential for badminton is immense. With our youth population, growing interest in sports, and the rich culture of perseverance and excellence, we have all it takes to become a powerhouse in the Nigerian badminton scene. But this can only happen with continued support, investment, and collaboration between the state, private sector, and sports authorities”.

He urged the state badminton executives to continue to scout for talent, mentor young players and collaborate with schools and local clubs to keep the sport alive and vibrant inorder to project the state not only for it’s enterprise but for athletic excellence.

The Governor also felicitated the leadership of the Nigerian Badminton Federation for their national vision, guidance and partnerships with state bodies like Abia’s which are essential in spreading the reach and impact of badminton across the country.

Delivering her speech, the wife of the Governor, who also serves as the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Mrs. Priscilla Otti, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, guaranteed the committee members of Her Excellency’s support and inspired the female athletes to go all out and perform exceedingly.

Contributing, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, highlighted that the Governor has prioritized sports by sponsoring over seven international events, establishing Abia as a key destination for sports.

In their respective remarks, the President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barrister Francis Orbih and the National Coordinator, Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, while highlighting the success of badminton in Nigeria, thanked Governor Otti for his keen interest in sports which has positively projected the state in the world of sports.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba Ph.D, Special adviser to the Governor on Due Process, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu amongst others.