The Abia State Government has officially inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships.
The ceremonies took place on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, presided over by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
Scheduled for September 30 to October 5, 2025, the Abia Para Badminton International Championship will precede the All Africa Para Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025. These events mark Nigeria’s inaugural hosting of an international para badminton championship, spotlighting Abia State as a burgeoning sports hub.
Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President Francis Orbih praised Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to sports development, noting the championships’ potential to boost the local economy and elevate Abia’s global profile. He also highlighted Eniola Bolaji’s 2024 Paralympic success as a milestone for Nigerian para badminton.
Governor Otti, represented by Emetu, expressed pride in the BFN and Abia’s badminton community, urging stakeholders to foster grassroots talent. He also congratulated Orbih on his recent election to the Badminton World Federation Council.
Following the inauguration, committee members inspected event facilities. Orbih commended the ongoing renovations, stating, “I am impressed with the level of work at the venue and the standards of designated hotels.”
The MOC, chaired by Emetu, includes Orbih, Prescilia Alex Otti, and others. The LOC, led by Her Excellency Prescilia Chioma Alex Otti, comprises Celeb Ajagba, Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, and additional members.
Both committees were charged with ensuring professionalism and transparency to meet international standards.