The First Abia Para Badminton International Tournament has ended in Umuahia with an Abian, Jeremiah Nnanna clinching a gold medal out of the 3 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze medals won by Nigeria to occupy the fourth position at the finals of the historic event.
Other Nigerian athletes who won gold medals were Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, who won a gold medal in the women’s singles SL3 defeating Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo, and Mary Nathan, who won a gold medal for Nigeria against Brazil’s Juscileia Silva in women’s singles WH1.
Declaring the Para Badminton International competition closed and flagging off the All African Para Badminton Championships on Sunday, October 5th, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti approved the request that the event be hosted again in Abia next year, and explained why he pays attention to issues of inclusion of physically challenged persons in his government.
“On the request to hold this competition again in Abia State next year, it has already been approved. So, we look forward to seeing you here again next year.
“For us in Abia, our mantra is inclusion and that’s one of the reasons why we offer to host you.
“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, I’ve gone this far to explain to you our attitude to people living with disabilities in our State.
“Even our public transport system which we are just putting together, we have to pay extra to provide for those who are in wheelchairs so that they can have the same comfort that able people also have,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who congratulated all participants at the competition announced cash awards to all 14 Countries that participated in the competition.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti whose vision made the championship a success.
“I must express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, our dear father, whose vision and unwavering support made this dream come true.
“This championship has not only been about medals or competition. It’s been about redefined possibilities, proving that abilities know no boundaries,” Ananaba stated.
In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer and representative of the Badminton World Federation, Mr. Jeff Shingoli said that Abia State and Nigeria have shown commitment by hosting the world.
“Abia State and indeed Nigeria have shown outstanding commitment by welcoming the world’s best and of course Africa’s best.
“This environment has been created to ensure the dreams of our para badminton athletes thrive.
“We commend the Governor, the local organisers and of course our local host Badminton Federation of Nigeria today and together, we have started a journey not only for building champions on the court but also champions of life,” Shingoli stated.
Earlier in his address, the President Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr.
Francis Orbih thanked Governor Otti for sponsoring the competition.
While congratulating all who participated in the competition, Mr. Orbih advised all to carry forward the spirit of unity and excellence that has followed the competition, and wished that the Abia State Governor, would make the competition an annual event.
He appreciated all partners for their participation, “Your presence here today and your continued partnership are clear demonstrations of your commitment to the growth of Para Badminton, not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the World,”
In a vote of thanks, the Vice President of the Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Ekeoma Samuel
appreciated Abia State Government for the provision of mats and wheelchairs among others by Governor Otti and expressed the hope that Governor Otti would host the international championship again next year.
The event which featured the presentation of trophies and medals to the champions attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the State Executive Council, sports officials among other dignitaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
