Dikko Applauds Abia State’s Para-Badminton Drive, Urges States to Adopt Strategic Sports Policies

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commended Abia State’s pioneering efforts in para-badminton, describing its ‘Adopt-a-Sport’ policy as a model for other states to emulate.

He made the remarks while hosting Abia State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, and President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr. Francis Orbih, during a strategic briefing on preparations for two major para-badminton tournaments scheduled to take place in Umuahia.

Abia State is set to host the inaugural Abia Para-Badminton International Championships from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All-African Para-Badminton Championships from October 6 to 12.

Mallam Dikko praised Abia’s sustained investment in para-badminton and its commitment to inclusive sports development.

‘I must congratulate you on what Abia State is doing. We were together yesterday at a truly inspiring event that broke barriers and set a new standard. This is a benchmark we can proudly present to other states,’ he said.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s full support for the upcoming championships, aligning them with the Commission’s broader vision to host more international sporting events across Nigeria.

‘Whatever we can do to facilitate this, we will do. You can be rest assured of our support,’ he added.

Dikko emphasized the importance of states identifying and nurturing sports where they hold a comparative advantage.

‘We advocate that all states adopt a particular sport like Abia has done, and continue to invest in it. This approach will streamline our national sports development strategy,’ he noted.

The NSC Chairman also celebrated the achievements of Nigerian paralympian Eniola Bolaji, who has won four international championships this year.

He announced that Bolaji has been placed in Category A of the Commission’s athlete grant scheme for the final quarter of the year. In a symbolic moment, Bolaji was presented with the African Women Award in Sports by Mallam Dikko.

Earlier in the meeting, Hon. Ananaba highlighted Abia’s decade-long commitment to para-badminton as part of its inclusive sports agenda.

Mr. Orbih, while officially introducing Bolaji to the NSC leadership, revealed that 16 countries have confirmed participation in the international championships, with 15 nations set to compete in the African event.