Sports
Orah Bayit Foundation Celebrates Two Years of Raising Champions Through Play and Purpose
The Orah Bayit Foundation is set to commemorate the second anniversary of its flagship initiative, Play & Excel: Raising Success Through Sports, with the theme “From Play to Purpose: Two Years of Raising Champions.”
The celebration will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Standard Foundation Sports Complex, Busa Close, Gwari Avenue, Barnawa, Kaduna, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Launched in 2023, the Play & Excel initiative was designed to empower children through structured play, teamwork, and creative learning.
Over the past two years, the programme has strengthened participants’ confidence, discipline, and leadership skills while promoting moral and social values.
It continues to nurture girls into purposeful leaders by integrating physical education, mentorship, and moral development into its activities.
Highlights of the anniversary include the premiere of an impact documentary featuring stories of transformation, a sports and play exhibition showcasing teamwork and skill, and motivational talks to inspire continued excellence.
Other activities lined up are awards presentations, a Champion’s Pledge affirming the Foundation’s vision, and a fun quiz and recognition segment to celebrate children’s learning and growth.
Speaking ahead of the event, Founder, Mrs. Grace Iliya an Assistant Director in Sports and Outside Broadcast, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, expressed pride in the programme’s achievements.
“Play & Excel started as a small weekend idea. Two years later, we’re seeing girls who believe in themselves, communicate better, and lead with empathy,” she said.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder that every child can be a champion when given the chance to play, learn, and excel.”
The Foundation is calling on partners, volunteers, parents, and media organizations to join the event in a collective reflection on progress, impact, and renewed commitment to child development through purposeful play.
Sports
Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.
This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.
Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.
Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”
He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:
“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”
Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.
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