Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, on Monday formally inaugurated the newly elected board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), describing the hitch-free election as another achievement for the Commission.
The inauguration ceremony, held on March 2, saw the Francis Orbih-led 15-member board officially sworn in to steer the affairs of Nigerian badminton for the next four years.
Dikko said the smooth electoral process reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring stability and functionality across all sports federations, in line with the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is another plus for the Commission. We have consistently delivered federation elections without rancour. It is part of the mandate given to us by Mr. President to ensure that the federations are fully functional,” Dikko said.
He emphasized the importance of federations to the Commission’s overall objectives, noting that their successes and failures are interconnected.
The federations are the backbone of what we are doing here. Our destinies are intertwined. If you succeed, we succeed. If you fail, we fail. Everything we do is geared towards the success of the federations,” he added.
Addressing the re-elected president, Dikko challenged Orbih to justify the renewed mandate, pointing to his presence in continental and global badminton bodies as an added advantage for the country.
Mr. President, you have gotten another mandate, which speaks to your good work in the last tenure. Your involvement at the continental and global level will help the growth of badminton in Nigeria. This is a debt you owe to those who re-elected you and to Nigerian badminton — to take the sport to the next level,” he stated.
The NSC chairman also urged board members and stakeholders to resolve differences internally rather than bringing disputes into the public domain, warning that negative publicity could undermine efforts to attract private sector investment.
Our doors are open. If you have grievances, come to us instead of going public. We have worked hard to build private sector confidence in the sports sector and we must not jeopardize that progress,” Dikko cautioned.
Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the composition of the new board, describing its members as experienced individuals with a genuine passion for sports development.
I have looked closely at this board and I have no doubt that you will do well. There are people here with proven track records and passion for grassroots development, which is central to our vision,” Olopade said.
In his vote of thanks, BFN President Francis Orbih appreciated the Commission for its support during his previous tenure, noting that the backing has translated into improved performances by Nigerian badminton teams.
Badminton has received immense support since you assumed office, and the results are showing. We are determined to raise the bar. After today’s election, I felt a heavy responsibility, and when you mentioned the debt, it became even heavier. With your continued support, we will build on what we have achieved,” Orbih said.
