Ibenri said that the number of athletes up for the challenge was tremendous, which indicated that that the sport was still widely accepted.
“I was amazed when I saw the number of entries which means that badminton is still here to stay.
“I am happy to see that the sport I once played and presently teach is still widely accepted globally but only requires more effort for wider acceptance in Nigeria,” she said.
Ibeneri, now a badminton Coach at the National Institute of Sport (NISports), National Stadium, Lagos, said that the tournament would put Nigeria in a good light.
“We would get international recognition and it will aid in boosting our ranking and reputation,” she said.
The coach appealed to the nation’s representatives at the competition to use the opportunity to build themselves up.
“The competition is right here in their country and it is a good way to have a feel of how badminton is played internationally,” she said.
NAN reports that the total prize money for the competition is 15, 000 dollars for winners in the different categories. (NAN) ————————————————————————————————
World Cup: Sports administrator wants adequate security at viewing centres (World Cup 2014)
OMU-ARAN – Ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a sports philanthropist, Mr Yemi Aransiola, has called on security agencies to provide adequate security at football viewing centres in order to check terrorist attack.
Aransiola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Tuesday that viewing centres could be potential targets for insurgents.
The philanthropist, who is also the director of Oyeyemi Sports Academy in Omu-Aran, said it was also necessary for owners of viewing centres to make adequate security arrangement.
He urged Nigerians, especially football fans, to always be security conscious and to assist law enforcement agencies in their effort to curb terrorism and other vices.
“In view of the security situation in the country presently, there is a need for law enforcement agencies to focus more on football viewing centres as the World Cup approaches.
“You can trust Nigerians; most of the centres are going be jam-packed with football supporters, hence the need for adequate patrol and surveillance to prevent attacks.
“Football supporters should also make it a point of duty to be conscious of their surroundings and not be totally carried away by the euphoria and excitement of matches,” Aransiola said.
The sport administrator suggested proper registration of football viewing centres across the country by the relevant government agency to ensure effective regulation of their activities.
“Football viewing centres are springing up every day in the nooks and crannies of the country and they need proper regulation and monitoring by government.
“Most of these centres are also markets where all sorts of alcoholic drinks and other stimulants are sold.
“ This deserves adequate attention in compliance with laid down rules and regulations,” he added. (NAN) ————————————————————————————————
ABAKALIKI – The wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi, said on Wednesday that the state had designed programmes to empower youths in the state.
Elechi said during a party organised for children in Abakaliki that the empowerment programme would be driven through the `You-win’ and `SURE-P’ projects.
She advised youths to key into the various programmes designed by the Federal Government and complemented by the state, to cushion their economic hardship and improve their welfare.
“Both the You-win and SURE-P programmes are designed to generate employment and create wealth among the youths and women.
“I advise the youths and women of this state to grab the opportunity provided by these programmes to improve their economy.”
Earlier, in a remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Maryjoy Umoke, also urged the children to embrace peace, unity and love at home, in school and in the society.
She lauded government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of youths and women in the state. (NAN)