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.

The Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Abia State Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on the caretaker committee led by Kingsley Okwum who chairs a three man committee saddled with tbe responsibility of repositioning the chapter and conducting an election before the end of the year.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of its inaugural and expanded meeting held in Umuahia on Monday October 6, 2025 at the D-Latinos Concepts.

The group of sports writers appreciated the National leadership of the association for their swift intervention in rescuing Abia SWAN from stagnation.

To ensure it delivers its core mandate, the caretaker committee appointed an electoral committee (SWANECO) to organize an election that will usher in an elected executive within the timeframe given to the caretaker committee.

The SWANECO is led by Chigozie Nwosu who serves as Chairman, Stanley Mba as Secretary with Jude Ochang, Isabella Ekeoma and Wisdom Thomas as members.

The communique:

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE FULL CONGRESS OF THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, ABIA STATE CHAPTER ON MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2025 AT D-LATINOS CONCEPTS, BCA ROAD, UMUAHIA

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Abia State Chapter held its inaugural and expanded meeting with members of the Caretaker Committee in Umuahia on Monday October 6, 2025 at the D-Latinos Concepts.

It was a gathering which had members from Umuahia, Aba and Igbere in attendance.

Rising from the meeting, the Congress had resolutions, recommendations and endorsements which are as follows:

1) Congress expressed appreciation to the National Body for stepping in at the right time to rescue Abia SWAN from stagnation.

2) Congress passed a vote of confidence on the Caretaker Committee, led by Kingsley Okwum as Chairman, Bethel Kalu as Secretary and Chigozie Nwosu as member.

3) Congress acknowledged receipt of membership cards in record time, stirring confidence in the process and the drive for new membership.

Congress urged members to register as quickly as possible through the state secretary.

Only registered members will retain the right to vote and be voted for in the coming elections.

4) Congress acknowledged the invitation of the Chairman and Secretary to Abuja for SWAN Full Council Meeting and the SWAN at 60 anniversary celebrations.

Congress resolved to raise funds through various means to assist with logistics of the Abia SWAN delegation to the anniversary and to make their representation of the state chapter memorable.

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the state leadership will lead members to a preferred place of worship for a thanksgiving service.

5) Congress approved the recommendation of the Caretaker Committee for the body to engage in social works in order to perform their corporate social responsibility.

This public service by Abia SWAN will be done in November.

Congress also approved the recommendation for a novelty game to be played with a yet-to-be decided team in November.

6) Congress urged Abia SWAN members to give its activities the needed publicity, starting with the outcome of the meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025.

7) Congress approved the appointment of members of the Electoral Committee for the 2025 ABIA SWAN elections.

Members of the Electoral Committee are:

Chigozie Nwosu – Chairman
Stanley Mba – Secretary
Jude Ochang – Member
Isabella Ekeoma – Member
Wisdom Thomas – Member.

The Electoral Committee were inaugurated. They were mandated to conclude arrangements and unveil the modalities for the elections on or before 20th October, 2025.

8) Congress approved that the interim committee provide an account for the smooth running of the activities of the chapter pending the full receipt of the chapter’s bank account and properties from the former EXCO.

9) Congress commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti for his huge investment in sports which has given Abia a seat on the table of successful investors in sports in Nigeria and Africa. Congress also congrarulates the Government on the successful hosting of the International Para-badminton Tournament.

Congress also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba for his unwavering zeal and efforts to develop sports in the state.

Also commended was the Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Comrade Obioma George for his exemplary leadership which is yielding results.

Communique drafting Committee:

Bethel Kalu, Caretaker Committee Secretary

Chinatu John, Member

Wisdom Thomas, Member