Newly Inaugurated Abia Badminton Association Board Holds Inaugural Meeting, Expresses Readiness To Serve
By: Stanley Mba, Umuahia
The newly inaugurated Abia State Badminton Association Board on Wednesday May 13 held its inaugural meeting in Umuahia, with members pledging their commitment to reposition the sport in the state.
The Board was inaugurated early Wednesday by the state governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.
Speaking on behalf of the Board Chairman, Mr. Abel Sunday Cosmos, who was outside the state on an official assignment, the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Grace U. Maduabuchi, thanked Governor Otti for finding members of the Board worthy of the appointment.
She acknowledged the great work of the commissioner for sports, Hon Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, who she said has brought tremendous changes to sports in the state.
She expressed confidence in the team and reminded members that the assignment is a selfless one.
“All hands must be on deck. We must work together as a team to help the association succeed,” she charged.
Also speaking, the Secretary, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, said the Board would take the association to a greater height through effective branding, marketing, and publicity. He called for the introduction of the “Shuttle Time” programme in schools to expose pupils and students to badminton, noting that building the sport from the grassroots remains key to its growth in Abia.
Adding his voice, a member of the Board, Rev. Engr. Cletus Mba, stressed the need for “a square peg in a square hole,” especially in the technical department, saying it would bring optimal performance and results for the state.
Members of the Board unanimously pledged their commitment and determination to take the association to a greater level.
Members of the newly inaugurated Board are:
Mr Abel Sunday Cosmos – Chairman Mrs Grace U. Maduabuchi – Vice Chairperson Dr. Philip Alexander Elekwa – Member Mr Emenyu Kalu Ulu – Member Mrs Udoka Ebere Ogbuagu – Member Mr Chika Ojiegbe – Member Mr Basil Ude – Member Mrs Ori Innocent Onuoha – Member Rev. Engr. Cletus Mba – Member Mrs Boniface Ijeoma – Member Elder Emmanuel O. Nduwgu – Member Comrade Stanley Mba – Media Mrs Ngozi Philip – Coach and Mr Ekeoma Samuel – Secretary
