The Kwara State Indoor Sports Hall in Ilorin, having undergone a comprehensive renovation, is now officially poised to re-enter the national and international sporting arena. This declaration was made by Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), following a detailed inspection tour of the facility on January 3, 2026.
The guided tour, led by Kwara State Director of Sports, Ibrahim Bako, and BFN Technical Director, Tunde Kazeem, allowed officials to assess the hall’s readiness. Orbih’s verdict was unequivocal: the facility now meets the essential standards for hosting top-tier badminton and other indoor sports competitions. “What we have seen here today is impressive,” Orbih stated. “The hall is well renovated, spacious, and fit for competitions. From what I have seen, Kwara is ready to host national and even international events.”
This development transcends a simple infrastructure update. It represents a strategic investment by the Kwara State Government with far-reaching implications. For athletes, a world-class facility provides a conducive environment for high-level training and competition, which is crucial for talent development and performance. For the state, it positions Ilorin as a viable destination for hosting rights, which brings economic benefits through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce during events.
Director Bako reaffirmed this strategic vision, explaining that the renovation is part of a broader agenda to revive sports infrastructure across the state. “The renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall was part of the broader agenda of the state government to revive sports infrastructure and provide a conducive environment for athletes to train and compete,” Bako said. He pledged the government’s continued support for sports federations and assured stakeholders of the facility’s proper maintenance and utilization—a critical factor often overlooked in such projects.
The significance of the renovation was further underscored by Hameed Adio, a respected former international athlete and sports administrator who was also present. Adio commended the state government for its “purposeful leadership,” describing the hall as “a major boost to sports development.” His call to action was direct and practical: he urged other national sports federations—for sports like table tennis, volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics—to inspect and utilize the facility for competitions, training camps, and developmental programs.
“This facility is something to be proud of,” Adio emphasized. “I encourage other sports federations to come, inspect, and utilise this hall. It is good for sports and good for Kwara.”
The successful renovation of the Kwara Indoor Sports Hall marks a pivotal step in reversing the trend of decaying sports infrastructure in Nigeria. It demonstrates how targeted public investment can create a hub for athletic excellence, economic activity, and community pride. The next phase will be crucial, as the true measure of success will be seen in the caliber of events secured, the athletes who emerge from training there, and the sustained maintenance of the facility for years to come.
Report by Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Bayo Sekoni.
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