Sports

Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Weightlifting Centre opens in Ilorin

Published

4 years ago

July 1, 2021

Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) on Wednesday entered into a partnership with Kwara State College of Education to groom weightlifters in the tertiary institution and its environs.

The founder of ROBCOP, Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin (OLY) revealed that her priority is to ensure weightlifters are educated and train with the best equipments.

The Sydney 2000 silver medallist seeked for the collaboration of the state government, the sports council and management of the tertiary institution in ensuring the program becomes a success.

She said, “Today is a historic day because Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) is entering into a partnership with the College of Education in owning its training centre inside the school. We have a vision for all our weightlifters to become heroes and heroines as well as become educated.

“In the next four years, we hope to see some of these weightlifters bring glory to Kwara state and Nigeria at international championships. ROBCOP will provide the enabling environment and equipment for the weightlifters to train. For you to excel in the sport, you need consistent training”, she added.

“I cannot do it alone; a tree cannot make a forest and that is why I am seeking the collaboration of the state government, the sports council and management of the tertiary institution”.

While commending the initiator of the project, the Acting Provost of College of Education, Ilorin, Dr Jimoh Ayinla reiterated the college’s resolve to continue to support sports development in the institution.

Meanwhile, former commissioner for sports, Hameed Adio (OLY) while describing Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin as an icon and virtuous woman said that she won 63 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals in her weightlifting career for Kwara and Nigeria including the Commonwealth and Olympics.

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Sports

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

42 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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