Chukwumerije Vows to Unearth New Talents for Abia Taekwondo

Olympic bronze medallist and former African champion, Chika Chukwumerije, has taken on a new role as chairman of the Abia Taekwondo Association. His appointment, alongside a 13-member board, was formalized last week by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, with a clear mandate: to elevate Abia into the ranks of Nigeria’s leading sporting states.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the association, Chukwumerije expressed gratitude to the state leadership for entrusting them with the responsibility of driving sports development. He pledged to harness Abia’s unique strengths to identify and nurture young talents, particularly from schools, with the vision of grooming them into world-class athletes.

“I want to sincerely thank our governor and his team, and most importantly His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, for this honour,” he said. “We promise to give our best to make Abia one of the best sporting states in the country. Our focus will be on discovering talents at the grassroots, grooming them at home, and turning them into world beaters.”

Chukwumerije also highlighted the broader impact of sports on society, stressing its transformative power. He pointed to Aba’s industrial capacity as a potential hub for producing sporting equipment, not only for Abia but for other states across Nigeria. “Abia has the talents, and we can help our young ones make a living from sports. With Aba, we can produce all the sporting equipment we need and even sell to other states,” he noted.

Looking ahead, he assured sponsors and stakeholders of the association’s commitment to collaboration, promising that within four years, Abia would produce not just local champions but athletes capable of shining on the global stage.

The newly inaugurated board includes Dr. Innocent Anucha as Vice Chairman, with members 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 serving as secretary.