ABIA MAKES HISTORY AS GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI HOSTS WEST AFRICA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL PARA BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP, DECLARES $50,000 SUPPORT PACKAGE AND APPROVES SECOND EDITION FOR 2026

The First Abia International Para Badminton Championship has come to a thrilling close, marking another proud moment for Abia State and Nigeria on the global sports map. The historic event, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, concluded on Sunday with Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, emerging as the star of the tournament after winning the Women’s Singles SL3 category.

Bolaji, ranked second in the world in her category by the Para World Badminton Federation, displayed outstanding athleticism and determination as she defeated Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo in straight sets, 2–0 (21–7, 21–3), to clinch gold.

In the Men’s Singles SL4, Nigeria’s Jeremiah Nnanna, Africa’s number one in the category, showcased sheer dominance by outclassing compatriot Yahaya Ayuba 2–0 (21–9, 21–8) to secure gold. Similarly, Mary Nathan added another gold for Nigeria in the Women’s Singles WH1 event, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Brazil’s Juscileia Silva 2–1 (5–21, 21–18, 21–17).

At the end of the championship, Nigeria finished fourth overall, winning a total of three gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals. The silver medallists for Team Nigeria included Jeremiah Nnanna, Obinna Nwosu, Chinyere Okoro, Yahaya Ayuba, and Ijeoma Chukwuemeka.

Brazil topped the medals table with seven gold, three silver, and five bronze, followed by India with six gold, five silver, and fourteen bronze, while Peru came third with six gold, three silver, and two bronze.

A total of 114 athletes from 14 countries participated in 19 sporting events from 30th September to 5th October, with nations such as Brazil, India, Peru, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Mauritius, Mozambique, and host Nigeria competing for honours. The event also served as a curtain-raiser for the All Africa Para Badminton Championship, scheduled to take place from 7th to 12th October at the same venue.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, congratulated all medal winners and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusion and the empowerment of persons living with disabilities.

“I want to congratulate those that won awards and medals in this competition, the first of its kind, I’m told, in Nigeria, even in West Africa. For us in Abia State, our mantra is inclusion. And that’s one of the reasons why we offered to host you. If you are anywhere and you don’t pay attention to inclusion, then you are not getting it right,” Governor Otti said.

Drawing inspiration from the story of John Faulkner, a limbless motivational speaker, Governor Otti encouraged the athletes to always give their best regardless of their circumstances or physical condition.

“You have no excuse not to do what others are doing, and for us in leadership, we have no excuse not to provide opportunities for people who are born with one little problem or challenge or another. 

“So, it gives me great pleasure that you have come and demonstrated that these little challenges will not stop you from participating in sports,” he added.

Governor Otti also revealed that Abia State had been granted approval to host the second edition of the championship and announced a $50,000 support package for participating countries, to be disbursed through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

The Chief Executive Officer of Badminton Confederation Africa, Mr. Jeff Shingoli, and the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, both commended the Abia State Government for successfully hosting a historic international sporting event and for setting new standards for inclusiveness in sports development.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, described Abia under Governor Otti’s leadership as a “fast-emerging destination for sports tourism and international sporting excellence.”

“Governor Otti’s vision and unwavering support have made this dream come true. Through the provision of world-class facilities, including Nigeria’s first wheelchair para-badminton mats, access to transport, local flights, and other logistics, His Excellency has demonstrated once again that sports are very instrumental to inclusion, unity, and growth.

“As we close this historic first edition, we open another, the All Africa Para Badminton Games, which begins tomorrow. It is a powerful reminder that sports never stop, and that Abia is becoming a destination for sports tourism and international sporting excellence,” Ananaba stated.

Delivering a vote of thanks, the Second Vice President and National Coordinator of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, praised Governor Otti for making history as the first Governor in West Africa to host an International Para Badminton Championship.

He also highlighted Abia State’s procurement of West Africa’s first wheelchair-accessible badminton mats and a wheelchair-accessible bus for persons with disabilities.

“Your Excellency, you are the only Governor that has produced a wheelchair-accessible bus that can carry persons with disabilities without dehumanisation. On this note, we are proud of you,” he said.

With this milestone, Abia State has once again demonstrated leadership, compassion, and commitment to global sports development, proving that under Governor Alex Otti, the state is not only rebuilding infrastructure but also championing inclusiveness, dignity, and opportunities for all.