Sports

CSO faults shut down of refineries, demands explanation from NNPCL GCEO

Published

9 months ago

August 5, 2025

Joel Ajayi

A rights group, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) has faulted the alleged shutdown of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation limited (NNPCL) owned refineries in the country.

The CSO led by Comrade Danesi Momoh, Convener and Igwe Ude-umanta, co-Co-convener of EUYI at a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja expressed concern that Nigerians have been kept in the dark over the reasons behind the shit down of refineries without any plausible explanation.

EUYI called on the Group Chief operating officer (GCEO), Engr Bayo Ojulari to inform Nigerians in categorical terms what happened to the functional refineries he inherited from his predecessor, Engr Mele Kyari.

EUYI insist that so called technical reviews on the refineries is an orchestrated plan to sell the refineries as scraps to unpatriotic Nigerians who have began a campaign to have them sold.

“The public would also like to know what technical reviews entails; what it costs and what the future of the refineries are. We insist that Mr. Bayo Ojulari is trying to deceive Nigerians through his opaqueness in operation, vagueness in communication, and blurry presentations,” EUYI alleged.

“Surely, we shall take him to task on this matter, and confront him peacefully to ensure that he does not use techniques to deceive the public, sell our national asset or squander money on them when there is no such need.

“Since it appears that he enjoys being dragged out, we will not hesitate to begin our own mass action against him, including occupying the streets in protest, from next week, except the public is given verifiable clear answers to these questions.”

EUYI thereby warned against attempt to rubbish the efforts of the past leadership of the NNPCL and their achievement in getting the refineries to a functional status against all odds, cynicism and negative campaigns.

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Sports

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

Published

15 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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