Sports
48-hours Ultimatum To Minister: Orbih, Igali Others Deny Link To Group
The Caretaker Committee chairmen of the 30 Sports Federation have denied any link to the group threatening to protest and take legal action against the sports minister Sunday Dare over the dissolution of the boards of Sports Federations after the expiration of their tenure.
The immediate past president and chairman caretaker committee of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barrister Francis Orbih, urged Nigerians to disregard the false statement claiming members of the newly inaugurated caretaker committee were unhappy about the dissolution of the boards.
“My attention has been drawn to a fake statement claiming that members of the newly inaugurated Boards were unhappy about the dissolution of the board.
“Someone reportedly signed on behalf of my Federation, this is totally false. I believe impostors are at work. We were all swearing in the ceremony by the Minister, so can we be part of something if we don’t believe in it?
“The public should disregard this false statement. We want to focus on our Olympics preparations and win laurels for our country.
“We appreciate what the Minister is doing and would give him total support to ensure we do well in Tokyo.”
While reacting to the report, the Chairman of the Wrestling Federation, Dr Daniel Igali also affirmed that, “We need to stay focused as the Olympics draws nearer. We can’t afford to get distracted.
“We are determined and we are forging ahead. The Minister is giving us all the support and we need to justify all his efforts by winning medals at the Olympics.”
On his parts the chairman of the Nigerian Golf Federation and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said: “We all aligned with the Minister as we need to focus on how Nigeria can do well at the Olympics.”
Sports
Segun Gbayi: From Champion Judoka to Judo’s Guiding Light in Nigeria
In the storied world of Nigerian judo, few names command the respect and admiration that Segun Gbayi does. Once a formidable force on the tatami, Gbayi has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated international athlete to one of the most influential and passionate administrators in the sport’s modern era. His journey is not just one of personal triumph but of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the growth of judo in Nigeria and beyond.
The Athlete with a Fighting Spirit
As a competitor, Segun Gbayi was relentless. Known for his discipline, precision, and a tactical mind honed through years of rigorous training, he became a dominant figure in African judo. Representing Nigeria on multiple international platforms, he won numerous medals and brought pride to the nation. His track record is a testament to his exceptional skill and deep understanding of the sport. Arguably one of the most passionate judo players of his time, Gbayi left an indelible mark on the mat with his performance and sportsmanship.
Service Beyond the Mat
Even after hanging up his competitive belt, Gbayi’s love for judo never waned. Instead, it took on a new form—leadership. He served as the Athletes’ Representative on the board of the Nigerian Judo Federation, where he brought the voice of judokas to the decision-making table. His tenure was marked by advocacy for better welfare, training opportunities, and international exposure for athletes.
Today, Segun Gbayi is widely regarded as one of the finest judo administrators in Nigeria. His work goes beyond titles—he is a visionary and a doer. Whether it’s organizing top-tier tournaments, mentoring young athletes, or investing his personal time and resources into developing the sport, Gbayi continues to be the heartbeat of Nigerian judo.
The Segun Gbayi Judo Foundation
At the center of his impact is the Segun Gbayi Judo Foundation, a beacon of hope and development for aspiring judokas across Nigeria. The foundation focuses on grassroots development, providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for young talents to thrive in the sport. Through regular competitions and workshops, it promotes discipline, resilience, and excellence—values Gbayi himself exemplifies.
One of the foundation’s recent landmark collaborations was with the Lagos State Government, where they jointly empowered judo coaches and referees with the latest trends and techniques in global judo. This initiative not only raised the technical standard of the sport in Nigeria but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional development among stakeholders.
A Legacy in Motion
Segun Gbayi’s story is one of evolution—from a fierce competitor to a selfless builder of dreams. His legacy is not just in the medals he won but in the lives he continues to shape. Through tournaments he organizes, the resources he mobilizes, and the structures he strengthens, Gbayi has become a pillar of Nigerian judo.
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