Sports Commission Chairman Lauds Abia’s Adopt -a Sport Scheme 

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has lauded Abia State’s ‘Adopt-a-Sport’ initiative, highlighting its dedication to para-badminton as an exemplary model for other states to follow.

In a statement issued by the NSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi, Dikko expressed his commendation during a meeting with the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba, and the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, held in Abuja.

The delegation visited to update him on the preparations for the upcoming para-badminton championships in Umuahia.

Ajayi revealed that the inaugural Abia Para-Badminton International Championships will take place from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All-African Para-Badminton Championships scheduled for October 6 to 12, 2025.

The statement quotes Dikko as saying: “This initiative clearly resonates with our vision to host numerous international tournaments.

We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to facilitate this endeavor. Rest assured, you have our unwavering support.

“We advocate for all states to adopt a specific sport, much like Abia, and to continually promote and invest in it. This approach will simplify our efforts. We intend to use this model to engage other governors.”

The visit also included the introduction of Nigerian para-badminton luminary, Eniola Bolaji, who has triumphed in four international championships this year.

Dikko praised her accomplishments and confirmed her inclusion in Category A of the Athletes’ grants for the final quarter.

Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ananaba, revealed that 16 nations have expressed interest in participating in the international championships, while 15 countries have registered for the African event.