Sports

DG NYSC Urges Corps Members On Peaceful Co-Existence

Published

2 years ago

November 29, 2023

….As Abia Swears-in 1,698 PCMs
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed has advised Corps Members to live in peace with one another, make new friends and use the opportunities of the service year to foster national unity and integration.

He gave the advise in his address to the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream Two Corps Members during his visit to Abia State Orientation Camp in Umuna, Bende Local Government Area of the State.

General Ahmed said the Scheme was established to foster national unity and integration, hence the need for all serving and prospective Corps Members to key into the NYSC project for national development.

Speaking further, the Director General warned the Corps Members against night travelling and also travelling without obtaining permission from the Scheme. He warned that unauthorized travelling attracts sanctions in line with NYSC byelaws.

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti in his address at the Swearing-in Ceremony urged the Corps Members to utilize the abundant opportunities around them to develop themselves and also use them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the State.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba promised his continuous support for the NYSC in Abia State.

He advised the Corps Members to abide by the tenets of their Oath of Allegiance and conduct themselves as good ambassadors of their families, institutions and NYSC during and after their service year.

In her address, the NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Mrs Dick-Iruenabere Ufoma urged the Corps Members to participate fully in all Orientation Camp activities, as they would serve as veritable tools in the dissemination of information and aid the implementation of the laudable policies of the State Government.

“The NYSC Management will give you the necessary support to make the desired impact. The Scheme also aims at inculcating discipline in our youths and instilling in them the spirit of patriotism and loyal service to the nation.

You must obey all camp officials and no form of insubordination, truancy, including drug abuse and secret cult activities will be tolerated in camp and throughout the service year”, she said.

During the ceremony, the Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai represented by Justice Anya Benson administered the Oath of Allegiance on the 1,698 Prospective Corps Members made up of 891 males and 807 females.

General Ahmed, who was among the dignitaries that witnessed the Swearing-in Ceremony was accompanied by the Director, Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Abubakar and Director Press and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa.

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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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