The Abia State Commissioner of Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba has expressed confidence that Abia is gradually taking his pride of place in the World of Sports.
Ananaba who stated this at the presentation of the Abia State Para Badminton team during a press conference at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State on February 29,2024, expressed believe that Abia Athletes performance in several Para Badminton competitions have shown that there’s ability in disabilities.
He added that time will come when Abia State will grace the World records following the support so far giving by the Executive governor,Dr. Alex Otti.
. Jeremiah Chigozie,the Phenomenon
The Commissioner who was represented by Director of Information,Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development,Dr Ken Kezie,promised to give attention to any Sports development activities in the State.
Earlier in his address,the Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Obioma George said that he has been in anticipation of the Badminton department of Abia State Sports Council to make their mark, adding that the best thing that happened to Sports in Abia generally is the coming of Dr.Alex Otti as State governor. He stated that Alex Otti has given the Abia State Sports Council so much motivation, rendering positive assistance which have in turn repositioned Sports from what it used to be at present in Abia.
The Para Badminton Athletes have participated in Countries like Egypt Japan, Thailand and Dubai . He also noted that before assuming office as a governor,Dr.Otti has been of great assistance to the Council many times the need arises and coming to their rescue . He urged all the sports associations in the Sports Council to -show competence or get dissolved .
Presenting his Scorecard, the President Badminton association, Samuel Ikpeama says the quest to promote Badminton is to make a mark and to show the World that there’s ability in disabilities.
He thanked governor Otti for sponsoring the Para Badminton across all World competitions, saying that the Association was lagging behind before his(Governor Alex Otti)inception in leadership.
para Badminton Athletes of Abia
He Expressed confidence that the Athletes will be seen more of at the global stage by the performance and dexterity they have displayed so far.
While thanking governor Otti for his support,he called on well meaning Abians to join hands with the governor in order to lift sports in the State.
“We want to market Abia Para Badminton in Nigeria,”we want to market it in Africa and across the World” he said.
He gave kudos to the director of Sports, Commissioner of Sports and the Minister of Youths and Sports development, Senator Eno.
He commended his Para Badminton team which is made up of, Emmanuel Ohaeri number , Ijeoma Chukwuka,Eze Chukwuebuka as they represented Abia State at African and World stage.
The Jinx breaker,Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah who becomes the first African player to reach the quarter finals in para Badminton in World Championship in Thailand,19-25 February 2024 thanked his coach and the entire team for their roles in preparing him to where he is currently. He added that taking up the challenge earlier was not easy but was courageous to fight on.
While thanking God and the Abia State government, called on the governor ,Dr Alex Otti to continuously support them as he believed that he will make Abia proud with next Badminton competition taking place in Paris,France Jeremiah has been placed in 18th position in the World rankings of Badminton.
