Sports

Caretaker Committee Set Up To Run Badminton In Nigeria

Published

5 years ago

October 18, 2021

The path to normalcy in the administration of badminton in Nigeria was on Monday charted as a caretaker committee was sworn-in to run the affairs of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN). Francis Orbih will lead the caretaker committee as chairman.

The composition of the BFN as well as the in-house election of its principal officers had been stalled following a court action by one Kenneth Azuine who was not a party to the election into the board.
But on the eve of the election, just as it was for other sports federations, he got an interim court injunction stopping the electoral processes and composition of the BFN board.
With badminton in the country grounded to a halt, the Nigeria Ministry of Sports opted to set up a caretaker committee On Monday, October 18, 2021, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who stood in for the minister of sports, Sunday Dare sworn-in a 13-man caretaker committee.
In attendance were Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, Director FEAD (Federations and elite athletes department) and Peter Nelson, the Director of the Para-Sports/ Sports Festival department.
The oath of office was administered by Foluso Akinlonu, a lawyer and Director Legal at the Sports ministry.
The non-composition of the BFN as a fallout from the legal issue was already taking its toll on the sport in the country. For instance, the 6th Lagos International Badminton Classics which is the biggest Badminton World Federation sanctioned championship in Africa had to be cancelled as the world body had no organisation to relate with in the country.
The championship which the immediate board of BFN had scheduled to run from 3rd to 6th November 2021 was shelved because of the lacuna in the running of the sport in Nigeria.
Also, Team Nigeria was withdrawn from the All Africa Senior Championship which is scheduled to take place in Uganda from 21st to 28th October 2021. This is because there is no board in place to handle preparation of the team for the event.

Another loss the country incurred owing to the non-composition of a board is the poor ranking the country’s players will have to contend with.

It is learnt that Nigeria is not in good standing with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) because the country was unable to fill and return the schedule A form for updating membership of MAs after the original deadline of 30th September and 11th October which was the extension given Nigeria to update its membership.

Filling the schedule A form entails entering details of the board.The participation of two Nigerian players who qualified for the world championship in Spain in December is also threatened as there is no board in place to handle preparation.

Owing to the cancellation of the Lagos International as well as the withdrawal of Nigeria from the All Africa Senior Championship in Uganda as a result of the absence of a board, Nigeria will lose two votes out of its voting strength during the AGM next year.

The members of the newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria are Francis Orbih (Chairman), Maina Mohammed, Solaja Obiageli, Yusuf L. Bello, Shehu Sulyman Warah and Tangbe Felix Awala. The others are Tunde Kazeem, George Shitta, Etuku Tenimu, Esther Gidado, Malik Anas, Amb Yahaya Yusuf and Grace Gabriel.

The chairman of the committee, Orbih said that the setting up of the committee was a good development as it will attempt to redeem the lost ground occasioned by the lingering issues.

He told the Sports Village Square that he will abide by the counsel offered by Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry that he should reach out to all stake holders to gain all lost grounds.

This he said will also include the aggrieved parties.

Share on Facebook

Sports

AACT 2026: Nana Abubakar Promises World-Class Catering, Nigerian Hospitality

Published

52 mins ago

October 28, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria – With five days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Catering and Refreshment Committee, Nana Abubakar, has assured visiting golfers, officials and guests of a memorable Nigerian experience, with local delicacies, entertainment and carefully coordinated catering arrangements planned for the continental championship.

Abubakar, who is also Treasurer of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), said the committee was working to ensure that visitors experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine and hospitality throughout their stay in Abuja.

She explained that the arrangements would go beyond providing meals and refreshments, with guests expected to enjoy Nigerian delicacies, cocktails and entertainment as part of the activities surrounding the championship.

The committee is also making provisions for golfers during practice sessions and while competing on the course, recognising the need to keep players refreshed and comfortable despite the potentially challenging weather conditions.

Abubakar said the arrangements were designed to ensure that players can concentrate on their games while receiving the necessary catering and refreshment support throughout the competition.

Beyond the golf course, the hospitality package will begin from the moment visitors arrive in Nigeria, with welcome packages and reception arrangements planned to give participating teams and other guests a warm introduction to the country.

The initiative reflects the Local Organising Committee’s determination to make AACT 2026 more than a sporting contest, using the championship to showcase Nigerian culture, cuisine, entertainment and hospitality to visitors from across Africa.

Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.

Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship will bring together women golfers from across the continent while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and stronger African relationships.

With five days remaining, the Catering and Refreshment Committee says it is preparing to serve up a distinctive Nigerian experience, combining sporting excellence with the warmth of the country’s renowned hospitality.

5 DAYS TO GO.

AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.

Share on Facebook