Chika Chukwumerije, a bronze medallist from the Beijing Olympics in 2008, has been named chairman of the Abia State Taekwondo Association, promising to find and nurture local talent throughout the state.
During Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu’s inauguration of the association’s 13-member board, the former African champion made the pledge.
Following the inauguration, Chukwumerije thanked the stakeholders for the chance and reassured them that the board was prepared to reposition Abia as one of Nigeria’s top sporting states.
He declared, “We pledge to do everything in our power to make Abia one of the nation’s top sports states.”
The recently appointed chairman emphasized the value of grassroots development, pointing out that schools would be the starting point for identifying and developing future champions. Finding school potential that will be developed at home to become world-class athletes should be our main priority, he continued.
Chukwumerije emphasized the wider economic potential of sports in the state in addition to athlete development. He cited Aba’s industrial capacity as a crucial component in creating a sustainable sports ecosystem through local sporting equipment manufacture. “Abawecan produce all sporting equipment and even sell to other states,” he stated.
Additionally, he reassured sponsors and other stakeholders of the board’s dedication and expressed confidence that Abia will create athletes capable of succeeding on the international scene in addition to local winners within four years. Vice Chairman Dr. Innocent Anucha, Okechi Onwuka, Christian Onyinyechi, Glory Ezema Oluchi, Christian Nnaukwu, Emelike Chinenye, Obioma Akomas, Ohia Ifeanyi, Charles Enakhaze, China Orji, Arua Ogbonnaya, and secretary Olekanma Orji are among the other board members.
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