Sports

BFN Set Tune For Biggest, Best Lagos International Badminton Classics

Published

3 years ago

July 14, 2023

Like a melodious tune from a mass orchestra, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria at their Shuttle Symphony at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island modulated a new music, setting the tune for next month’s Lagos International Badminton Classics.

Francis Orbih was the choirmaster as Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Suleiman, Mai Bade, Emir of Gashua gave royal colouration at the event attended by corporate badminton friendly organisations. ValueJet in the aviation industry lifted the occasion with gift items for the attendees.

Obi Asika, a creative industries entrepreneur and familiar face in the popular family television programme, “Nigerian Idol” added colour as the crowd was enthralled with the tale of success of badminton in Nigeria. Africa number one men’s player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori was the face of success that the BFN had recorded. He captivated the jammed hall with his grass-to-grace story.

“In deed, the graph is looking upward”, Obiageli Solaja, BFN board member and the 2019 Africa Woman in Badminton award winner said. It was a gathering of best of the best among the backers of the sport. It was a successful meeting of corporate bodies as they strive to further promote badminton in Nigeria.

Sola Aiyepeku, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission stood in for the Lagos State Government. Traditional supporters, notably; Mutual Benefit Assurance, Studio 24, Avis and GIG Group were there along with representatives of EKEDP, G.E.N, Bond Energy, Inlaks Ltd and Lagos State Badminton Association as well as Lagos Country Club and the badminton section of Ikoyi Club graced the occasion.

The Insurers and bankers – Sovereign Trust and Wema Bank – were in attendance along with The Road Users organisation.

Nkechi Obi, a celebrated sports marketing expert and chairman of the Nigerian women’s football league was in attendance and pledged her support.

A key highlight of the event was the award of recognition to supporters, ambassadors, past presidents and sponsors.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

11 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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