Dikko Hails Smooth Election Of New Badminton Federation Board

Mallam Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has inaugurated the newly elected Board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN).

He lauded the successful and rancour-free election as a significant achievement for the Commission and a testament to its commitment to fostering functional sports federations.

“This is another plus for the Commission,” stated Mallam Dikko. “We have consistently delivered on Federation elections without rancour. This is in furtherance of the mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for us to get the Federations fully functional. 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. This is why all we do here is geared towards the success of the Federations.”

The NSC Chairman challenged the 15-member Board, led by Barrister Francis Orbih, to elevate badminton in the country. He commended Barrister Orbih’s re-election, attributing it to his previous good work and his involvement in continental and global badminton bodies, which he believes will significantly aid the sport’s growth.

Mallam Dikko urged Board members and stakeholders to resolve grievances through internal dialogue rather than public criticism. “Our doors are wide open,” he affirmed. “If you have any grievances, come to us instead of going public. We have done a lot to build private sector interest and confidence in the sector and wouldn’t want these little differences to jeopardise these efforts.”

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, expressed confidence in the new Board’s potential. “I have looked intently at the composition of this Board and I have no doubt in my mind that you will do well,” he remarked, highlighting the members’ proven track records and passion for sports development.

In his vote of thanks, Barrister Orbih expressed gratitude for the NSC’s support during his previous tenure. He pledged to “raise the bar” and continue the progress made, acknowledging the “heavy weight” of responsibility following his re-election.