By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has received Africa’s second-ranked para-badminton athlete, James Akpan, in recognition of his outstanding medal haul at recent continental and regional competitions.
The reception, held at the Commissioner’s office, was led by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Badminton Association, Sir Ini Akpabio, alongside the State Coach, Chief Anthony Udom. The visit was aimed at formally presenting the athlete and showcasing the medals he won during an exceptional 2025 competitive season.
At the African Para-Badminton Championships held in Umuahia, Abia State, from October 7 to 12, 2025, Akpan delivered a historic performance by winning three silver medals at the continental event.
He further elevated Akwa Ibom State’s profile at the maiden West Africa Para Games in Ogun State, organised by the Para-Olympic Committee of Nigeria and held between November 26 and December 3, where he clinched two gold medals while representing both Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Currently ranked No. 2 in Africa and Nigeria, and No. 54 in the world, James Akpan has emerged as one of the continent’s most consistent and competitive para-badminton athletes.
Speaking during the presentation, Sir Ini Akpabio disclosed that Akpan has commenced preparations for the 2026 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships scheduled to hold in Manama, Bahrain. He added that athletes under the Akwa Ibom State Badminton Association are undergoing intensive training programmes to sustain excellence and remain competitive at national and international levels.
Sir Akpabio also appealed to the state government for the provision of a dedicated Badminton Hall, stressing that a standard facility is essential for elite training, compliance with international standards, and the development of grassroots badminton talents across the state.
In his response, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, expressed delight at receiving the champion and his delegation, describing Akpan’s achievements as a clear indication of Akwa Ibom State’s growing stature in sports.
He noted that the state is recording an encouraging trend of athletes returning from competitions with medals, attributing the success to deliberate investments and renewed commitment to sports development by the state government.
“Earlier today, I received two Akwa Ibom athletes who represented the state at a Mixed Martial Arts competition in Edo State and returned with two gold medals,” Bassey said. “Now, we are celebrating James Akpan, who has once again placed Akwa Ibom on the continental and global sports map.”
The Sports Commissioner commended Akpan for his resilience, discipline, and consistency, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the state’s sporting values. He reassured the delegation of the government’s continued support for outstanding athletes and sports associations, pledging sustained efforts in talent discovery, capacity building, and facility development.
Elder Bassey further emphasized that the Ministry of Sports will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen training programmes, improve infrastructure, and ensure that Akwa Ibom athletes are well positioned to compete and excel at all levels.
