14 Countries Storm Abia As Otti Hosts First-Ever International Para-Badminton Championship In Umuahia

https://youtu.be/nMSqtFrO8E0?si=CpMbR1w3A8DTM52h

... Abia makes history as Nigeria joins Uganda and Egypt in global para-sports hosting league

Umuahia, Abia State - In a historic breakthrough for Abia State and Nigeria at large, no fewer than 14 countries have arrived Umuahia for the much-anticipated International Para-Badminton Championship and All African Badminton Championship scheduled to hold from September 30 to October 12, 2025.

All Facts Newspaper reports from a press conference held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, where the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Chima Ukwa, confirmed the arrival of delegations.

According to him, the state is set to host about 150 athletes and 60 officials who will compete and participate in the championships, making Abia the cynosure of global sporting attention.

"This is also to confirm that about 14 countries are going to be here in Abia State, and out of the 14 countries, we're expecting about 150 athletes... We have the best mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats - the first of its kind in West Africa. Preparations have been made to ensure the playing field is world-class,ÔÇØ Ananaba said.

The Commissioner revealed that Governor Alex Otti personally ensured massive investment in the competition venue, making ICC fully certified and globally approved.

BFN President, International Officials Commend Otti

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded Governor Otti for his vision and unwavering support. He disclosed that a three-day Para-Badminton workshop for players and coaches is already ongoing, with participants drawn from across Africa.

"We have coaches and players from across Africa joining Nigeria. After the workshop, there will be assessments and certificates awarded to successful participants. Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do even better under Governor Otti's leadership,ÔÇØ Orbih declared.

Adding their voices, the Chief Executive Officer of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Jeff Shigoli, and Badminton World Federation International Classifier, Dr. Ahmed Reda, praised Abia for making history.

They noted that Nigeria has become only the third African nation after Uganda and Egypt to host a Para-Badminton event, describing the tournament as a "milestone for both Nigeria and Africa.ÔÇØ

Beyond Sports: The Otti Advantage For Abia Economy

Beyond the games, analysts believe this international hosting will boost Abia's economy, strengthen tourism, and create ripple effects in hospitality, commerce, and service industries across Umuahia and beyond. Hotels are already recording high patronage as delegations continue to troop into the state capital.

The event is also a reputation milestone for Governor Otti's administration, showcasing Abia as a capable host for international events and projecting the state into global sporting consciousness.

Government functionaries present at the press briefing include the Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwogbe, and Comrade Samuel Ekeoma, alongside other badminton officials.

Para-Badminton