Grassroots Badminton Project Yielding Results in Niger State – Nma Kolo

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State Badminton Association has revealed that the deliberate planned efforts to catch them young about 4 years ago has started yielding results in Badminton by winning gold, silver and bronze in the just concluded National festival in Ogun state.

Chairman of the Niger State Badminton Association and Political Adviser to the governor, Alhaji Muhammad Nma Kolo, made the disclosure at an event to honor the state’s successful badminton young players, who excelled in the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State at Minna Sports Club, Niger state capital.

Nma Kolo explained that this is to recognize the badminton players for their outstanding achievements,  assured that the state governor will surely reward all those who contributed to the state’s success, including the team that won a gold medal in men’s doubles, single and teams among others

He emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance sporting activities and promote talent development within the state, however challenged the recent winners and coaches to improve in their efforts to sustain the tempo.

The Special Adviser while briefing journalists at the weekend in Minna attributed the badminton team’s success to grassroots development initiatives and announced plans for a North Central invitational tournament in Minna, named after Governor Bago.

According to Nma Kolo, the administration of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is preparing to bid for the hosting rights of the 24th edition of the National Sports Festival in Niger State, scheduled for 2028.

The Chairman of the State Badminton also announced the plan to bring the festival to Niger State, adding that “the state has never bid to host the National Sports Festival since its inception in 1976, but we are changing that narrative,” he stated.

Kolo highlighted the economic benefits of sports and highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in sports sponsorship, insisting that it should not rely solely on government efforts.

He maintained that the event will pave the way for local youth championships aimed at identifying and developing talent within the state, the North Central Zone and in the country.