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Bunmi Haruna calls for SWAN inclusion on NSC board

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….As sports thumbs return of Sports Commission, sports University   

Bunmi Haruna, chairman of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, has called for the inclusion of the body on the National Sports Commission (NSC) board.

Also, critical sports stakeholders expressed their supports for the establishment of Federal Sports University of Nigeria and the return of  National Sports Commission (NSC)

The newly elected chairman stated this in his presentation at the Senate Committee on Sports public hearing on the bill seeking to establish the National Sports Commission  and the Federal Sports University, Nkalagu Ebonyi state

“Those who should have a say in sports should be part of the National Sports Commission, NSC. Hence, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) should be included in the board,” Haruna said.

“The importance of the NSC is such that we cannot resort to not include the body that acts as a bridge between the sportsmen, administrators, the people and invariably the private sector in it. Sports is business and SWAN is the vehicle on which it is sold, so neglecting SWAN in the composition of the NSC is omitting an important part of the commission.

He also believes it is of great importance to smoothen the relationship between the director general of the commission and minister of Sports to foster better working atmosphere between both parties.

“We also observe that the power tussle between the Minister and the Director General, NSC was largely responsible for the scraping of the commission the last time.

“So there is great need for a clear demarcation of the duties of these principal officers in the new look NSC.”

He also applauded the bills initiative muted by the National Assembly on the establishment of the NSC and a sports university in Ebonyi state.

“The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, would like to thank the National Assembly for coming up with these bills, this shows in a great deal that we have forward-thinking legislators that are not only interested in moving the country forward but also create more opportunities for the youths.

“SWAN supports the establishment of the NSC because it is a model that has worked for Nigeria in the past and it is the trend in the developed countries where sports is real business. In the US, it is called the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), in Australia, it is called Sport Australia, formally the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport in Australia, In Canada, it is called Sports Canada, in South Africa, the South Africa Sports Commission, in Japan, it is called sports commission of Japan, etc.

While responding, chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba, praised SWAN for their fantastic presentation and acknowledged that points raised were genuine and will be considered.

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Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025

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Cyril Ogar

Nigeria’s Para Badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, has won the silver medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category at the POLYTRON Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025, which concluded on Sunday, November 2, in Surakarta, Indonesia.

Bolaji, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, advanced to the final after a commanding 2–0 semi-final victory over India’s Mandeep Kaur. However, in the championship match against World No. 1 Leani Ratri Oktila Syakuroh of Indonesia, the Nigerian ace was forced to retire during the first game while leading 20–16, due to a health-related concern.

Despite the setback, Bolaji’s outstanding effort earned Nigeria a well-deserved silver medal, continuing her consistent record of podium finishes at international Para Badminton events.

Reacting to the outcome, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barr. Francis Orbih, commended Bolaji for her courage, resilience, and professionalism throughout the competition.

“We are extremely proud of Eniola’s performance and fighting spirit,” Orbih said. “Although it was not the result we hoped for, she demonstrated true character and commitment. Winning silver at this level is a remarkable achievement for her and for Nigeria.”

The BFN President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Kwara State Sports Commission, and the entire Badminton family in Nigeria for their unwavering support in ensuring the team’s successful participation in Indonesia.

“We remain deeply grateful to the leadership of the NSC and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their sponsorship and continuous encouragement. Their investment in Para Badminton has been instrumental in our athletes’ steady progress on the global stage,” Orbih added.

Bolaji’s silver medal finish reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile in world Para Badminton and serves as another milestone in the country’s journey toward greater international recognition in the sport.

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