Wife of Abia State Governor, Priscilla Chioma Alex Otti, and the state’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, will lead the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Main Organising Committee respectively of the First Abia Para-badminton International Championship and the Africa Para-badminton Championships scheduled to hold in the state, from September 30 to October 5, 2025.
The para-badminton tourney would be followed by the All Africa Para-badminton Championship, from October 6 to 12, 2025.
Emetu is the chairman of the MOC, which also has the President of the Nigeria Badminton Federation (NBF), Francis Orbih, Ekeoma Samuel, Nwaobillor Ananaba, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Alhaji Mohammed Maina, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, Salihu Abubakar, Seyi Johnson, Sunday Odebode, Thecla Okpara, and Oludare Davies, as members.
Other members of the LOC, headed by Mrs Otti, are former Super Eagles’ star, Karibe Ojigwe, Celeb Ajagba, Francis Orbih, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Ekeoma Samuel, Kenneth Odanwu, Dr. Eugene Ihuaba, George Shitta, Obiageli Solaja, Sulyman Shehu Warah, Amb. Yahaya Faruk, and Mallam Tunde Kazeem.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in the deputy governor’s office, at the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, Orbih commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his significant investment in sports development.
He noted that both championships would have a substantial economic impact on the state and attract international recognition to Abia’s progress under Governor Otti’s administration.
“This marks Nigeria’s first time of hosting an international para-badminton championship, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing para sports,” Orbih said, adding: “Your Excellency, by hosting this historic event, you are not only making a powerful statement about equity and opportunity, but also positioning Abia State as a beacon of progress in sports development, both nationally and across the continent.
“This championship offers tremendous opportunities as it will stimulate the local economy, attract international attention, and inspire a new generation of para-athletes across Africa,” Orbih assured. He stressed BFN’s full support to the state, ranging from technical expertise and collaboration to ensure that the event meets international standards.
He also charged committee members to uphold professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties, saying:
“I urge you to work with unity, transparency, and excellence. The eyes of the continent, and indeed the global badminton community, will be on Abia, and I am confident you will rise to the occasion,” Emetu said in his remarks.
He also encouraged stakeholders to invest in grassroots development to nurture the next generation of champions.
The governor further congratulated Francis Orbih on his election to the Badminton World Federation Council, recognising it as a milestone for Nigerian badminton.
