Umuahia, Abia State – 29th May 2026

The Abia State Badminton Association has congratulated His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, on the occasion of his 3rd anniversary in office, commending his administration’s commitment to sports development and infrastructural renewal in the state.

In a statement issued today, the Association noted that the past three years have been marked by visible progress across key sectors, including sports, youth empowerment, healthcare, education, and urban renewal. The Association lauded the Governor’s people-centered policies and reforms, which it said have restored hope and created a more enabling environment for sporting activities in Abia.

“We celebrate Governor Alex Otti’s three years of purposeful leadership. His administration’s focus on rebuilding Abia and prioritizing the welfare of citizens has not gone unnoticed by the sporting community. We are optimistic that sports, including badminton, will receive greater support and investment as the state continues to rise,” the statement read.

The Association pledged its continued support for the Governor’s vision for a greater Abia and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he steers the state to greater heights.

Signed:
Mr. Abel Sunday Cosmas
Chairman

Mr. Ekeoma Samuel
Secretary

Stanley Mba
Media and Publicity

The Chairman of the Abia State Badminton Association Board Chief Abel Sunday. has outlined an ambitious agenda for his second tenure, pledging to deepen grassroots development while sustaining the state’s dominance in Para badminton on the continent.

Speaking on the achievements of his first term, the chairman said Abia had recorded historic milestones that placed the state firmly on Africa’s badminton map.

“In my first tenure as Chairman of Abia State Badminton Association, we produced the first African Para Olympian, African number 1 ranking in almost all Para Badminton categories and finally we hosted the First Abia Africa and International Badminton Championship in Umuahia, Abia State,” he stated.

He described the feats as “great achievements” but admitted that the lack of able-bodied badminton players remained a major challenge for the association.

Looking ahead, the chairman said his focus for the next four years would be to take the sport to the grassroots and discover young talents that can be groomed to world-class level.

“My dream in the second tenure is to take badminton to the grassroot, scout for players we can nurture to world standard and also maintain our standard in Para badminton, this time around producing medals at the next Par Olympics,” he said.

He added that sustaining the Abia International Championship remained a priority to cement the state’s reputation as a hub for the sport.

“My wish is to sustain Abia International Championship thereby putting Abia on the world map and making Abia the home of Badminton in Nigeria and Africa in general,” he said.

The chairman stressed that the vision could only be realised through teamwork and strong board support.

“All these big dreams can only be possible with the support of my able and competent Board, together we shall achieve,” he said.

Abia State has emerged as a powerhouse in Para badminton in recent years, with athletes from the state dominating continental rankings and representing Nigeria at international competitions.

The hosting of the maiden Abia Africa and International Badminton Championship in Umuahia in 2024 was widely regarded as a turning point for the sport in the South-East.

Stakeholders in the state’s sports sector have expressed optimism that the renewed focus on grassroots talent would address the current gap in able-bodied players and further strengthen Abia’s position in Nigerian badminton.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter has congratulated the Abia state Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba on his birthday.

In a statement by Kingsley Okwum, Chairman, Abia SWAN Caretaker Committee, the association wished the Commissioner long life and good health as he leads sports in the state.

He said under the commissioner’s watch, Abia has become a beautiful bride for sports in the country and beyond adding that his contributions to the growth of the sector are visible for all to see.

Abia SWAN further wished the Commissioner a happy celebration.