The Borno State Government has commenced the 2025 edition of the Association of Badminton Club in Nigeria (ABCIN) tournament, themed “Peace Has Returned to Borno State”, as part of Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum’s peace-building initiative.
The tournament, hosted on Wednesday, at the NUGA Hall of the University of Maiduguri, was officially declared open by Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Kadafur, who is also the patron of the Borno State Badminton Club Association and founder of Kadadur Badminton Club.
Speaking on behalf of Gov. Zulum, Kadafur highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it symbolizes the resilience, hope, and progress of Borno State.
“It is with great joy and pride that I stand before you today to officially open the ‘Peace Has Returned to Borno State’ Badminton Tournament. This event represents not just sportsmanship but also the triumph of peace and unity in our state,” Kadafur said.
He emphasized that the tournament provides an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills and foster camaraderie, stressing that sports play a crucial role in uniting and healing communities.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives that empower youth, promote healthy living, and strengthen unity across the state.
The state chairman of the Badminton Club Association, Alhaji Adamu Lawan Zaufanjinba, who also serves as the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), stated that the tournament aims to highlight the state’s progress and support Zulum’s peace-building efforts.
“This is not just a competition; it is a demonstration of our resilience, dedication, and commitment to ensuring that Borno is safe for sports and other socio-economic activities,” Zaufanjinba said.
He revealed that ABCIN has 136 registered clubs across Nigeria, with 96 clubs participating in this year’s tournament. He also acknowledged the role of corporate sponsors, including City Star & Events, Spectrum, R&B Hotels & Suites, Zenith Bank, Ankabut Construction, and Rafali, as well as the Deputy Governor, who provided accommodation, feeding, and transportation for participating clubs.
Hon. Saina Buba, Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Poverty Alleviation, noted that the tournament reflects the state government’s achievements in security and social development. He added that the event has boosted local businesses, with traders displaying products for sale around the venue.
The Chairman of Kadadur Badminton Club, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba (IBSY), praised the University of Maiduguri for providing the venue, stating that the tournament serves as an avenue to further promote the peace-building efforts of Gov. Zulum.
Hon. Imran Usman Jibrin, National Chairman of ABCIN, announced that prizes would be awarded to 192 beneficiaries across various categories, including Active, Veterans, and Quarterfinalists. The tournament, which began on Feb. 5, is set to conclude on Feb. 8, 2025.
Dignitaries at the opening ceremony included the Acting Secretary to the State Government, the Acting Head of Service, commissioners for sports, transport, and energy, as well as senior government officials and advisers.
