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GIG Logistics Becomes Official Sponsor of Eniola Mariam Bolaji’s Road to LA 2028 Paralympics

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The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has officially unveiled GIG Logistics (GIGL) as the sponsor of Nigeria’s Para-badminton sensation, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, in her journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The announcement was made at a grand unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Thursday attended by top sports administrators, corporate leaders, and members of the sporting community, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to support its athletes on the world stage.

Eniola, currently ranked World No. 2, has enjoyed a phenomenal run in 2025, winning gold medals at the two Spanish Para-Badminton Internationals, Egypt Para-Badminton International, and the British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Wales. She also made history with a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, becoming the first African to win a medal at the Olympics or Paralympics in badminton or para badminton. With an unbeaten streak of 14 championships and 14 gold medals, Eniola stands as one of the most dominant athletes in global para-badminton.

The GIG logistics will cover sponsorship of Bolaji’s participation in at least three major championships yearly, in the next four years on the road to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic, covering travels, logistics, equipments and kits.

Speaking at the unveiling, Francis Orbih, Esq., President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, described the partnership as transformational.

“The partnership between the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and GIG Logistics for the sponsorship of our champion, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, is a powerful validation of her hard work, resilience, and world-class talent. This collaboration goes beyond financial support; it represents belief, trust, and an investment in excellence. For Eniola, this sponsorship is not just a boost to her journey towards the Paralympic Games; it marks a defining chapter in the history of Nigerian badminton. The BFN is proud to work with GIGL in breaking barriers, inspiring a new generation, and showcasing Nigeria’s potential in global badminton. Together, we are proving that with vision and partnership, greatness is inevitable.”

Eniola Bolaji, visibly moved by the support, expressed gratitude and renewed determination.

“I am very happy and motivated by this massive sponsorship going into upcoming major championships. I look forward to making you all proud. God bless GIG Logistics and God bless the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, Sebastine Osita, Chief Executive Officer of GIG Logistics, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerian athletes.

“Supporting Nigerian athletes is not just a choice; it is a responsibility. At GIG Logistics, we are in the business of possibilities. Every day, we connect people and businesses across Nigeria and the world, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to opportunity. Our decision to sponsor Eniola goes far beyond her extraordinary talent on the badminton court. It is about her discipline, resilience, ambition, and her ability to inspire the next generation,” said Osita who was represented by Gloria Edozie, General Manager Business Services.

“At GIGL, we believe that when we invest in our athletes, we are not just funding individual careers, we are building national pride and showcasing the limitless potential of Nigerian talent. This partnership is also a reflection of our broader commitment to inclusion, youth development, and targeted CSR initiatives that give young Nigerians the platform to thrive. To Eniola, we say: your journey is a story we are honoured to be part of. Together, we will aim higher, work harder, and go further. At GIG Logistics, we don’t just move parcels, we move dreams, and today, we are proud to move yours.”

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, commended the initiative, describing it as a milestone in sports development.

“It is indeed a great honour and excitement to witness this brilliant event. I must congratulate the President and executive members of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for moving the sport in the right direction. I must also thank the sponsors, GIG Logistics, for deciding to walk the talk by providing the enabling support for Eniola to achieve not just for herself but for the country. This aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission, and I believe GIG will deliver on their promises to make Eniola do the country and Africa proud.

“As the NSC, we are committed to supporting the Federation and Eniola to boost and sustain the gains and strides of badminton in Nigeria and beyond. I must commend Eniola’s doggedness and determination to excel in spite of challenges, and we encourage her to continue to work hard, shine at all times, and inspire others, with the support of GIG Logistics.”

The sponsorship signals a major boost for Nigerian badminton, with Eniola now set to compete at upcoming Para-Badminton tournaments as she builds momentum towards Los Angeles 2028.

With this landmark partnership, the BFN and GIG Logistics have demonstrated that Nigerian athletes can rise to the world stage when given the right opportunities, setting a strong precedent for corporate support in sports development.

The well-attended sponsorship unveiling ceremony also had in attendance Cephas Lar, former BFN & BCA President, and General Abdullahi Maikano, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa pouring encomium on the Badminton Federation.

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ITPN FCT Chapter Ends 3-Day Executive Retreat For Professional Impact, Industry Growth

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Joel Ajayi

The executive members of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), FCT Chapter, led by the Chairperson, Dr. Fatima Obadaki Sule,  have successfully concluded a transformative three-day retreat focused on advancing the 7-point agenda that took cognisance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the socio economic growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja in particular and the country as a whole through tourism, hospitality and allied trades sector held in Abuja over the weekend.

In a statement jointly signed by Chairman, ITPN, FCT Chapter Dr. Fatima Obadaki Sule, _FITPN                          and Publicity Sec. ITPN, FCT Chapter Ahmed Mohammed Sule on Tuesday in Abuja

In his remarks as special guest of honour who also declared the retreat opened, the National President of ITPN, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, called on the leadership of the FCT Chapter of the Institute to lead by example and ensure the interests and objectives of the Institute come first in running the affairs of the Chapter, noting that advancing best professionalism practices amongst all the members should be the guiding principle.

Chief Odusanwo further reiterated that, as torch bearers of the Institute in the nation’s capital, they should constantly seek for collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sector stakeholders and key operators to promote the ideals of professionalism, skills and capacity development, career upscaling and industry best practices that the Institute firmly stands for,    

While applauding the idea of holding retreat, he noted the exercise as very apt and timely and a dynamic platform for strategic discussions and collaborative engagement among the EXCOs, aimed at repositioning the chapter for greater professional impact and industry leadership in the travel tourism, hospitality and allied trades in the nation’s capital in line with the federal government’s desire for country’s economic diversification through tourism as the main hub of the non-oil sector.

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr. Fatima Obadaki Sule stated that the idea behind the retreat was to enable members of her executive team to be abreast of her vision and mission statement in the successful piloting of the affairs of the Chapter which she wrapped up in her 7- Points agenda, adding that it explicitly summed up the goals and objectives of the Institute as a body of practising tourism professionals in the country and her utmost goal of placing the FCT chapter of the Institute above all the chapters as the Kapital Centre of Excellence in Tourism.  

She reeled out her 7-point agenda, which formed the core of the retreat and includes:

Organize fitness sessions and mental awareness campaigns, mentorship program for youth, strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders, promote sustainable tourism and leverage technological innovations, enhance professional development, raise awareness of tourist attractions in FCT and support local entrepreneurs.

She then solicited for the support and active participation of members of the executive present at the retreat which she said was crucial for the success of the Institute in achieving progress and moving forward as a professional body.

During the three days’ retreat which began on Friday 24th and ended on Sunday 26th, executive members shared insights, reviewed operational practices in the industry sector, proffered laudable ideas and suggestions as well as mapped out actionable plans to achieve the objectives of the 7- Points agenda.

The Retreat proper was kick started with the presentation by the Guest Speaker, Dr. Taiwo Famogbiyele, Registrar of the Institute on his paper which x-rayed the 7- Points Agenda of the Chairperson of the FCT Chapter of the Institute. He noted that the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria is a body of practising professionals and a force to be reckoned with because tourism and hospitality sector remains one of the fastest growing industries and a critical driver of economic diversification, job creation and national image-building.

He noted that the retreat was critical to achieving a well-coordinated team work and for fine-tuning the program plans of the leadership of the Institute at the Chapter level for smooth implementation, adding that it will enhance team unity and cohesion, bring about clear and measurable action framework and improve accountability, programme visibility/sustainability and concluded with a step by step exposition of the 7- Points Agenda bordering on relevance, implementable means and expected impactful outcome of each.

Key highlights of resolutions reached during the retreat among others, includes: Unity and Collaborative Actions by Members; Strategic Leadership through Participation at national events; Leveraging on Internal Expertise and Networks to tap from the resource and expertise of members in critical national programmes; Focus on 3- Pillar Strategic Framework – *Wellness and Fitness Initiatives, *Youth Mentorship and Career Development Programmes to address critical gap in hospitality and tourism education, Sustainable Tourism Practices to address environmental, social and economic sustainability; Critical Stakeholder Engagement encompassing all sub-sectors of the tourism, hospitality and allied trades; Organizational Development Imperatives involving all members;  The Integration of Physical and Mental Wellbeing with dedicated sessions on incorporating regular aerobic exercises to combat work-related stress and boost overall resilience among members.

The Executive Retreat which was the first of its kind by any chapter of the Institute across the country, was highly interactive and underscored the need for robust partnerships and team work targeted at members for resilience and show of commitment for the impactful growth and development of the Institute in the interest of professionalizing the tourism sector as well as for nation building.

The retreat ended on a refreshing and uplifting note, with members recommitting to the 7-points agenda and calling for broader stakeholder involvement to foster a vibrant, inclusive tourism ecosystem in the FCT and nationwide. This initiative aligns with the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s national goals for sustainable development as well as position ITPN as a proactive force in Nigeria’s creative, tourism and hospitality industry.

In conclusion, members of the executive at the retreat session took time off on day 3 of the exercise and embarked on an excursion tour of one of the prolific eco-tourism spots in the nation’s capital -The Kaspaland and Kayak Resort, where they refreshed, socialized and networked with a renewed commitment to work together and foster best practices in the hospitality and tourism in collaboration with critical stakeholders to support efforts toward sustainable tourism development in Nigeria.

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