When Chika Chukwumerije stood before the newly inaugurated Abia Taekwondo Association board, it was more than just another appointment. For the 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medallist and former African champion, it was a call to nurture the next generation of athletes in his home state.
The 13-member board, inaugurated last week by Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has been tasked with positioning Abia among Nigeria's leading sporting states. Chukwumerije, now chairman, accepted the responsibility with gratitude and determination.
Commitment to Excellence
We promise to give our best to make Abia one of the best sporting states in the country, he said, pledging to harness the state's unique strengths to discover and groom talents from the grassroots. He emphasized that his vision is to make schools the breeding ground for future champions, promising that homegrown athletes will be nurtured into world-class competitors.
Our focus should be on identifying talents from school that will be groomed at home to become world beaters, he stressed.
Beyond Medals: Economic Transformation
However, Chukwumerije's ambition extends beyond medals. He spoke passionately about the transformative power of sports, not only as a path to glory but as a means of livelihood. With Aba's industrial base, he sees an opportunity to produce sporting equipment locally, creating jobs and fueling a self-sustaining sports ecosystem.
With Aba, we can produce all sporting equipment and even sell to other states, he noted, painting a picture of sports as both cultural pride and economic driver.
Strategic Partnerships
The new chairman assured sponsors and stakeholders of the board's commitment, promising that within four years, Abia would not only celebrate local champions but also produce athletes capable of shining on the global stage.
Supporting him in this mission is a diverse board that includes Dr. Innocent Anucha (Vice Chairman), Okechi Onwuka, Christian Onyinyechi, Glory Ezema Oluchi, Emelike Chinenye (ACP), Christian Nnaukwu, Obioma Akomas, Ohia Ifeanyi, Charles Enakhaze, China Orji, Arua Ogbonnaya, and Olekanma Orji as secretary.
