The wife of Abia State Governor, Dr. Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu has called for more public spirited individuals and corporate organizations’ involvement in the sponsorship of sports to encourage its development in the country.
Dr. Mrs Ikpeazu made the call at the Women Development center, Ogurube layout Umuahia during the official flag-off of the fourth edition of the Dr Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu Para-Badminton national Championship being hosted by Abia State.
She noted that the competition will help foster national unity, give sense of belonging to the physically challenged athletes as well as expose budding talents.
The wife of the Governor expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s introduction of the sport to the national sports festival will foster growth of para-badminton as a leading sport in the Nation and Africa.
Speaking, the Commissioner of sports, Mr. Karibe Ojigwe, joined by his Women Affairs counterpart Deaconess Rose Nnah- Urenta expressed the happiness of the staff and management of their ministries for the unreserved support of the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs Ikpeazu for sports development in Abia State.
Also Speaking, the National Cooordinator of Para-Badminton in Nigeria, Mr Samuel Ekeoma, Abia State para-badminton chairman, Mr Abel Sunday as well as the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Sports, Elder Friday Ikpeoha thanked the wife of the Governor for promoting the welfare of the Special Athletes and sports development in the country.
The wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Lady Vivian Ude Oko Chukwu later accompanied the wife of the Governor as she unveiled the Para-Badminton trophies and handing over of Badminton rackets to the Ministry of Sports while top Government officials, Para-Badminton bigwigs and athletes witnessed the occasion.