Sports

Ejeh Emerges Champion Of 4th Edition Of Bar And Bench Golf Tourney

Published

4 years ago

May 29, 2022

Joel Ajayi
A handicapper 11, Emmanuel Ejeh, on Saturday, has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded Bar and Bench Golf Championships held at the IBB Golf and Country Golf Club, Abuja.

The one day championship got underway weekend with a ceremonial tee-off, with over 213 golfers in their different categories participating in the tournament.

Ejeh posted a score of 45 points with the net of 9.1 to outplay over 200 players who featured in this year’s edition.
Speaking shortly after receiving the giant trophy, the excited Mr. Ejeh expressed that the victory meant a lot to him and will spur him to improve on his game.

“The game is all about being calculative, very patient and a whole lot of determination and I am champion today, a lot of people will come out in the next edition which calls for more hard work for me to better and keep the game up.”

He disclosed that this year’s edition indeed brought more unity among the bar and bench: “the tournament is not just only the social part, the situation in the country requires all to come together in unity, that is why you see every tribe here represented. We played, we had fun, we rub minds.”

While speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, represented by Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju said the game of golf is one the best ways to avoid ill health as people grow old.

The CJN, however, encouraged Nigerians to embrace sport for the sake of fitness and their good health: “golf is a very good game, there is no age limit as long as you can walk, I encourage Nigerians to engage in sports for their benefit.”

He expressed that, the games will help lawyers to socialize and know themselves better.

On his own, the Chairman Organizing Committee, a just retired Judge of Court Of Appeal, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi revealed that the objective of the tournament was to strengthen the cordial relationships among the bar and bench profession.

“As we all know that 24hours we are at the courtroom, chambers, and library, we always find it difficult to interact. So, this tourney will help to relax the brain, healthy body, and healthy mind to continue to do our work effectively.”

In her remark, the President of the Court Of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem expressed: “it’s a tournament of love between Bar and Bench, we are here to enjoy nature, enjoy ourselves, this is more like ra relaxing atmosphere.”

However, the presentation of trophies and award ceremony were testimonies that the objective of the game was achieved, hundreds of lawyers were seen dancing to the music and having fun as a lot of trophies were won by winners, in their different categories.

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Sports

Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.

Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.

He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.

According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.

“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.

‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’

He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.

Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.

He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.

“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.

The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.

President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.

Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.

He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.

Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.

He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.

According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.

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