Sports
Sports Minister seeks collaboration with the Ministry of information and National Orientatation
Sports has power in our National life, so there is an urgent need to partner for the coverage of sporting events for viewership by Nigerians
Senator John Owan Enoh the Honourable Minister of Sports Development has called for an emergency in the coverage of sporting events by the Ministry Of Information and National Orientation.
The sports minister and members of his team paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi and members of his team on Wednesday the 2nd of May 2024.
Minister of Sports Development emphasised on the significant role Sports plays in the Nation especially Sports as a unifier, to this end television and radio broadcasts are extremely fundamental to feeding the nation that which will foster unity amongst other positives for the well-being of the country.
“ A typical example is AFCON, nothing mattered but the game played by the National team at AFCON” Nigerians all came together, regardless of tribe, religion,class or political affiliation to support the National team and cheer them to victory. We were all fixated on victory “ He said.
Senator Enoh seeks to partner with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its media organs to promote sports development in the country.
The Sports Minister suggested the design of a calendar of upcoming sporting events as a guide for the public media organs of the Information ministry to amplify and further broadcast them.
The National Sports Festival coming up this year in Ogun State, the National Youth Games in Asaba ,Para Games are some major events were mentioned by the Minister as forthcoming events .
Senator Enoh further lauded President Tinubu for creating a specific Ministry for sports, saying the vision is in line with the significance of sports in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In his response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi commended Senator John Owan Enoh’s performance as Sports minister, he observed that the concerns of Nigerians on his appointment as sports minister have been quelled by his consistent hands-on and brilliant performance in the sports sector.
The information minister also stressed the administration’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sports to deepen unity and cohesion in the country with references to past sporting events.
Minister for Information and Orientation Alhaji Idris Malagi believes that sports should be on the front burner of the government’s priorities because of its significant role in nation-building and development.
In response to the request of the Minister of Sports for more media exposure to sporting events in the country, the Minister gave the approval to set up a committee to identify areas of collaboration between the two ministries.
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Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
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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