Corporate and philanthropic organisations in the country have been advised to invest their resources for the development of sports in Nigeria to fast track it’s continuity and sustainability instead of allowing it on the hand of government alone.
The Chairman Niger State Badminton Association, Mohammed Nma kolo gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen after the opening of the four day Bago North Central Badminton Championship tagged Minna 2026 holding at the David Mark road Tunga Sports Complex Minna, Niger state.
Mohammed Nma Kolo reminded the people of Niger state and Nigeria, especially sports lovers that sports is a lucrative business which should not be allowed in the hand of governments alone and called for collective efforts by individuals and organisations to succeed.
The North Central Zonal Co’ordinator for the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, also explained that the decision by the Niger State Badminton Association to organize the four day championship is to discover hiding talents and next Olympians from the zone, lay foundation for an annual North Central championship as well as to eliminate banditry, youth restiveness and idleness through the promotion of sports.
Mohammed Nma Kolo who said it was also to take the badminton back to the grassroots, is of the opinion that sports must not be for the few, it must start from schools, within the communities and in all the twenty five Local Government Areas of Niger state, stressing that Niger state and North Central zone have produced top- rated stars who are proudly representing Nigeria both at home and on the international stage.
He commended the Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago whom he described as a sports-loving Governor for his consistent support for Badminton even before becoming Governor, and the workaholic Chairman of Niger State Sports Commission, Danjuma Masu for always being there for them, the Niger state and North Central Badminton family, parents and sponsors as well as the President and the entire Badminton Federation of Nigeria Family.
Mohammed Nma Kolo who said prizes including cash would be won at the end of four day championship, added that five states of Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue including the Federal Capital Territory Abuja are participating in the event, comprising of under fifteen to nineteen, senior and veterans category among others.
COV ALIYU LAWAL.
