CHINESE BADMINTON INVESTORS ARRIVE NIGERIA

As a follow up to an earlier visit to China by Badminton Federation of Nigeria’s helmsman, Frank Orbih, a delegation of ‘One Belt One Road Financial Projects Operations  office from China is in Nigeria.

According to a media statement from the office of the BFN president, the Chinese delegation, which is in the country to help build multiple badminton courts, is led by Chen Wenying.

China is a leading badminton playing country in the world. The Chinese are facilitating the construction of a gymnasium which will accommodate 10 courts and other facilities.

The delegation visited the office of Nigeria’s sports minister and were received by the Permanent Secretary of the Adesola Olusade, who stood in for the minister, Solomon Dalung.

He thanked the Chinese for their interest in the developing badminton in Nigeria and also acknowledged the supremacy of China as the number one badminton playing nation in the world.

The Permanent Secretary, speaking on behalf of the minister, promised the full support of the sports ministry towards a successful partnership with a view to developing the badminton in Nigeria.

He informed the delegation that the democratization of the various sports federations by Solomon Dalung had attracted people with genuine passion into sports.

He also commended Frank Orbih under whose leadership badminton has been growing from strength to strength.

In his response, the leader of the delegation, Chen reiterated their commitment to helping to fund the construction of a badminton gymnasium that will accommodate 10 courts and other facilities.

Orbih, informed the Permanent Secretary that the visit of the Chinese delegation was a follow up of his earlier visit on the invitation of Badminton Federation of China.

According to Orbih, he had whilst in China secured a memorandum of understanding for players training and a possible window for coaches training. He was also able to secure scholarships and sponsorship for two players who have qualified for the world championships in China.

The President of BFN was accompanied on the visit by, Gabriel Gbayan (BFN board member and Chairman Technical sub-committee) and Ocholi Edicha, a former African badminton champion who is a board member and players’ representative on the board of BFN.

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria is expected to work with the Ministry’s technical department to come up with a design which the Chinese will take up and develop further.