**commends Governor AbdulRazaq for commitment to sports development
President Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih has declared Kwara State fully prepared to host national and international events following his inspection of the newly renovated Indoor Sports Hall in Ilorin on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Orbih made the declaration after a guided tour of the facility by the Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako; the Technical Director of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, former Commissioner for sports, Hammed Adio amongst others.
He described the Indoor Sports Hall as one of the best rehabilitated sports facilities in the country and competes with any facility in the world.
Orbih noted that it meets the basic requirements for hosting top-level badminton and other indoor sporting competitions.
According to the BFN President, the renovation reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment to sports development and positions the state as a viable destination for major sporting events.
“What we have seen here today is impressive. The hall is well renovated, spacious, and fit for competitions. From what I have seen, Kwara State is ready to host national and even international events,” Orbih stated.
Speaking during the visit, the Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development.
He pledged continuous support for sports federations and assured that the government would sustain the maintenance and effective utilisation of the facility.
Bako explained that the renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall is part of the broader agenda of the state government to revive sports infrastructure and provide a conducive environment for athletes to train and compete.
Also present during the inspection, former international athlete and sports administrator, Hameed Adio, commended the Kwara State Government for investing in sports infrastructure.
He described the renovated hall as a major boost to sports development in the state and a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership.
Adio urged sports federations across the country to visit the facility and take advantage of its standard for competitions, training camps, and development programmes.
“This facility is something to be proud of. I commend the Kwara State Government for this laudable initiative. I encourage other sports federations to come, inspect, and utilise this hall. It is good for sports and good for Kwara,” he said.
