Abia State is set to make history as it plays host to the First Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championships, scheduled for September 30 to October 12, 2025.
The landmark twin championships will attract more than 224 athletes from over 16 countries, including 58 players from Rwanda and India, for two weeks of high-level para-badminton competition sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA).
The official Media and Marketing Reveal Luncheon for the event was held on Tuesday, August 12, at the International Conference Center, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. Organized by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the Abia State Badminton Association, in collaboration with the Abia State Government and the Ministry of Sports, the gathering brought together sports stakeholders, media executives, and top government officials.
National Coordinator for Para Badminton and Second Vice President of the BFN, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, assured that preparations were on track.
“We are ready to host the first Para Badminton Championship and All African Para Badminton Championship here in Abia State. This will be a massive, week-long event spanning over two weeks. Our Governor, Deputy Governor, and all stakeholders have given their full support to make this a reality,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for approving the hosting rights and providing substantial funding.
“His Excellency ordered the renovation of this venue, procured specialized mobility buses for wheelchair athletes, and invested in cutting-edge para-badminton equipment — the first of its kind in Africa. This is inclusion in action,” Ananaba noted.
Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who also chairs the Main Organizing Committee, described the championships as a defining moment in the state’s sports history during his keynote address.
Keynote Address by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu
“It is with great pride and deep joy that I welcome you all to the beautiful city of Umuahia for the first-ever Abia Para Badminton International Championships and the All African Para Badminton Championships. These back-to-back world-class events, sanctioned respectively by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), mark a defining moment in our state’s sports history.
Hosting these championships in Abia is more than a sporting achievement — it is a statement of our capacity, hospitality, and vision. This is the first time that such high-profile para badminton events are taking place on our soil, and it positions Abia not only as a sports destination in Nigeria but as a proud member of the global badminton family. It is an opportunity for our state to showcase its organizational excellence, cultural warmth, and unwavering respect for athletes of all abilities.
Let me state unequivocally that these events would not have been possible without the vision and unwavering support of our sports-loving Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR. Under his leadership, this administration has placed inclusion, diversity, and opportunity at the heart of our development agenda. The decision to host Para sports at this scale reflects our belief that talent knows no physical limitation, and that every athlete deserves the chance to compete, inspire, and excel on the global stage.
Sports have always had the power to unite people beyond borders, politics, and differences. Para sports, in particular, embody resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit. Over the next two weeks, Abia will welcome athletes, coaches, officials, and fans from across Africa and around the world. This inflow will stimulate our local economy from hospitality and tourism to transport and small businesses. More importantly, it will inspire a new generation of young people in Abia and Nigeria to embrace sportsmanship, perseverance, and inclusivity.
As we flag off these championships, I call on all stakeholders, government agencies, corporate sponsors, the media, sports associations, and indeed our citizens to give their full support. Let us fill the stands, cheer our athletes, volunteer our services, and project the positive image of Abia State to the world. Together, we can make these championships a benchmark for excellence in sports hosting in Africa.
To our Para athletes: you are the heart of these championships. Your determination and skill inspire us all. Compete with pride, play fair, and know that you are already champions in the eyes of Abia State.
It is now my honour, on behalf of His Excellency the Governor and the people of Abia State, to officially declare the First Abia Para Badminton International Championships and the All African Para Badminton Championships open.
Thank you, and may the best athletes win.”
Other dignitaries present included Mr. Kalu Olo, Vice Chairman of the Abia State Badminton Association; Hon. Onwuegbu, Minister of Information; Mr. Chika, Head of Media; and Mr. Francis Orbih, President of the BFN, who joined virtually.
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of a book titled “Killing Two Birds With One Stone” by Mr. Raymond Ukwa, Secretary of the Marketing and Sponsorship Subcommittee.
With global sanctioning from the BWF and BCA, the championships are expected to place Abia State firmly on the world sports map, boost the state’s economy, and set a benchmark for para sports hosting in Africa.
