Aliyu Saidu of Niger State has emerged champion of the men’s singles at the maiden edition of the Umaru Mohammed Bago North-Central Badminton Championship held in Minna,Niger State.
Saidu defeated his compatriot, Aliyu Shehu, in the final to claim the men’s singles title, while Peter Akpebi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Ibrahim A. Dewo of Niger State finished in third position.
The champion received a cash prize of $200, while the runner-up was awarded $150 and each of the third-place finishers received $100.
The championship also produced two of its youngest and most promising players, nine-year-old Bright Adenike Olanipekun of Niger State and 10-year-old Mubarak Possibility of Kogi State, who were recognised as Niger State Badminton Ambassadors.
Following their impressive performances, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, pledged to sponsor the education of the two young players up to university level.
Speaking to participants after the finals, the governor, who was represented by the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Comrade Danjuma Abdul Masu, said his administration’s investment in sports was aimed at providing young people with opportunities to channel their energy into productive ventures.
Bago stressed the importance of combining education with sporting development, noting that both were essential to preparing young people for a self-reliant future.
He said sustained investment in young athletes would not only help them develop their talents but also promote unity, peaceful coexistence and understanding across ethnic, political, religious and regional divides.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr Frank Orbih, represented by the federation’s Technical Director, Tunde Kazeem, commended the Niger State Government for hosting the zonal championship and supporting the development of badminton.
Orbih said sporting competitions were important platforms for discovering and nurturing young talents at the grassroots, adding that outstanding athletes from the championship could eventually earn opportunities to represent Nigeria at continental and world championships.
He appreciated the state government for its support and announced that the championship would become an annual event.
Orbih also commended Governor Bago for the scholarship commitment to Olanipekun and Possibility, describing the gesture as an investment in the future of Nigerian sports.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians and private-sector stakeholders to invest more in sports, saying such investments would complement government efforts to reduce unemployment by creating opportunities for young people.
Earlier, the BFN North-Central Zonal Representative, Mohammed Nma Kolo, said the championship had provided young athletes with an important platform to develop their skills and make positive contributions to society.
According to him, the tournament was not only promoting badminton across the North-Central region but also creating a pathway for the discovery, nurturing and development of future champions.
In the women’s singles, Peace Jonah of the FCT emerged champion after a strong campaign, while Dorcas Danid of Plateau State finished runner-up. Farida Nuhu of the FCT and Patricia Akpusu of Benue State shared the third position.
In the Under-15 boys’ singles, Niger State’s Divine Atisu defeated his compatriot, Kelvin Monday, in the final to clinch the title. Clifford Matthew of Nasarawa State and Musa Daniel of Plateau State finished in third position.
In the Under-15 girls’ singles, Ella Miniki of Plateau State emerged champion after defeating Pamela Ogbodo of the FCT in the final. Favour Godwin and Abigail Atoo, both of the FCT, shared the third position.
The successful staging of the maiden Umaru Mohammed Bago North-Central Badminton Championship is expected to strengthen grassroots badminton development in the region while providing young athletes with a platform to compete, gain experience and pursue opportunities at national and international levels.