Abia state first lady boosts para-badminton

The first lady of Abia State, Nkechi Ikpeazu has committed to supporting para-badminton in Nigeria with the donation of a vehicle to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

The Toyota Senna was handed over the federation’s delegation, led by its president Francis Orbih, on a courtesy visit to Government House in Umuahia.

Ikpeazu assured the Federation that sponsorship would be expanded to ensure the Nkechi Ikpeazu National Para-Badminton Championship becomes an annual event with the second edition scheduled for the first quarter of 2021 alongside a zonal U-17 Championship.

The support will also also aim to assist their tokyo 2020 paralympic games aspirations as the national team looks set to qualify for the games.

Barrister Orbih thanked the first lady for her services to the sport.

“We really appreciate your contribution to the development of para badminton which has led to the growth of the game in the country. You have also shown commitment to the game by sponsoring the Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu National Para Badminton Championship in 2016, the National Para Badminton Team’s trip to the 2018 Uganda International Para Badminton Championship and the 2018 African Para Badminton Championship in Uganda.”

“Her Excellency’s support also made it possible for some of the team’s members to be selected by the Badminton World Federation for part sponsorship towards qualification for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo,” Orbih added.