FCT Badminton Association Strengthens Ties with Sports Directorate, Visits Luka Istifanus

 

On 30th January, 2025, the FCT Badminton Association Board led by its Chairman, Comptroller Mohammed Usman Bappa (Rtd), paid a courtesy call to the FCT Director of Sports, Mr. Luka Istifanus at his office in Abuja.

The meeting started with a minute silence in honour of the late Former Chairman of the FCT Badminton and an erudite sports enthusiast, Mr. Gabriel Gbayan. 

The Comptroller Mohammed Usman Bappa (Rtd) led FCT Badminton Board, in his remarks, outlined the laudable programmes of the FCT Badminton Board, which includes but not limited to continuous development of the game at the grassroot level, catch them young scouting initiative, organization of various categories of tournaments from the lowest cadre to the elites stage to discover and nurture talents for podium success for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

He also highlighted plans to have befitting Badminton tournaments across the FCT Area Councils,which will take place this year, and will also serve as a platform to scout, nurture, prepare and discover talents for the FCT ahead of the National Sports Festivals and Youths Games 2025.

“We have been meeting and working round the clock to get the game of Badminton in the FCT going as it has always been under our late Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Gbayan. He is a model and we have resolved to keep the flag flying.”

“We have over 40 Badminton clubs in the FCT. Really doing well i must say. What we are doing and will continue to do is bring them together in a competition to be able to discover and harness raw talents that will make not only the FCT proud, but our country, Nigeria as a whole.”

“Aside other initiatives that we, as FCT Badminton Board, is considering, we are already discussing the idea of putting together a period tournament plans, that will cover all categories and playable age. This is taking Badminton to our educational institutions,especially, our primary and secondary schools to get them young and nurture them”. 

“We appreciate your reception and time for hosting us here today and we look forward as we also have the strong believe that our partnership and synergy will thrive for the betterment of Sports in the FCT.”

In his response, the FCT Director of Sports, Mr. Luka Istifanus, appreciated the FCT Badminton Board on their visit. He expressed his believe and hope of better years ahead for the game of Badminton in the FCT under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Usman Bappa. 

The FCT Director of Sports, Mr. Luka Istifanus, also stated that he has always been proud to be associated with not only the Board, but the development and progress of the game of Badminton in the FCT.  He also commended the FCT Badminton family for always making the FCT proud whenever they go for competitions at the National level. 

“I want to appreciate you for coming. This is a thing of joy for me. We have been working together and we will continue to work together. “

“Badminton is one game i hold so dear to my heart. The reason is simple, you have always been a delight for the FCT whenever we go for competitions. Like some other games, you have continued to make us proud and we can only tell you to keep it up and do more.”

“Let us use this moment to give you the assurance of our 100% support towards your porgammes, ideas and initiative. You have nothing to worry nor fear about. The FCT Sports Department is solidly with you all the way.  Don’t hesitate to come and approach us as we always here to help and assist you and even partner with you.”

Comptroller Mohammed Usman Bappa was the Vice Chairman of the FCT Badminton Association under the leadership of late Mr Gabriel Gbayan before his untimely demise.