Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Oba Ladoja Urges Oyo Indigenes to Enlist in Police.

    Oba Ladoja Urges Oyo Indigenes to Enlist in Police.

    ‎Oba Ladoja Urges Oyo Indigenes to Enlist in Police.
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade
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    ‎The Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged eligible indigenes of the state to take advantage of the ongoing police constable recruitment exercise to join the Nigeria Police Force.
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    ‎The monarch made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan while receiving the Chairman of All Police Matters and South-West representative on the Police Service Commission, DIG Tunde Lakanu.
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    ‎Oba Ladoja stressed that the responsibilities of law enforcement agents are too critical to be ignored, noting that beyond apprehending offenders, the police play a vital role in maintaining law and order.
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    ‎He added that although his jurisdiction as Olubadan covers 11 local government areas, he would liaise with members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to ensure the message reaches all parts of the state.
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    ‎The monarch also pledged the support and cooperation of the Olubadan Advisory Council, line chiefs, Baales, Mogajis, and Iyalodes in mobilising grassroots participation.
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    ‎He further emphasised the importance of the media in driving awareness, urging sustained engagement across print, electronic, and social platforms.
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    ‎Earlier, DIG Lakanu disclosed that the Police Service Commission is currently recruiting 50,000 constables nationwide.
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    He, however, expressed concern over the low turnout from the South-West region and called for increased participation.
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    ‎Lakanu appealed to traditional rulers to help publicise the exercise at the grassroots, adding that communities stand to benefit more from improved local representation in the police force.
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    ‎He also hinted at the prospect of state policing in Nigeria, noting that it would enhance security when fully operational.
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  • Police exonerate company, directors of false allegations

     

     

    The Nigerian Police Force has exonerated a company, Cabota Energy Services Limited, and its directors of criminal allegations.

    The directors cleared by the police include Dr Raymond Akintayo, Dr Babafemi Fagite and Mr Charles Obisike.

    The company and its directors were alleged to have engaged in acts of terrorism, kidnapping, conspiracy and stealing.

    The petition was filed by Fortunatus Osuagwu of Viagem Energy Services Limited.

    However, after a thorough and diligent investigation, the police findings revealed that the dispute between the parties stemmed from a contractual relationship and did not disclose any criminal conduct.

    In the interim report by the Police Monitoring Unit, dated Feb. 25, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, it said the allegations lacked merit.

    “The allegations of obtaining under false pretence, attempted assassination, kidnapping and stealing lack merit as there was no evidence to establish the alleged offences against the suspects.

    “In view of the above facts, the case is entirely civil in nature as it emanated from a contractual agreement that never went through arbitration to determine any breach as contained in the lease agreement and parties have been advised to seek remedy in a civil court.”

    It said the police had, therefore, taken appropriate corrective steps, including communicating with the Nigeria Immigration Service regarding the conclusion of investigation

    It said the law enforcement agency also communicated with INTERPOL, through the National Central Bureau (NCB), and directed the removal of the names of the affected directors from relevant watchlists.

    Responding to the development, Cabota Energy Services Limited, in a statement, commended the professionalism, diligence and commitment to justice displayed by the Nigerian Police Force, particularly the office of the I-G Monitoring Unit.

    The company, in the statement issued by its Executive Director, General Services; Dr Fagite, described the investigation as “careful and impartial.”

  • -G files criminal charge against 2 for allegedly defaming Moniepoint

     

    The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had filed a criminal charge against two suspects, Adebayo Aliu and Fatuntele Tunde, for allegedly defaming a microfinance, Moniepoint.

    The I-G, in the charge filed before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja, preferred a seven count bordering on cyberstalking against the defendants.

    Their arraignment scheduled for Tuesday could not proceed due to the absence of the defendants in court.

    Neither the defendants nor their lawyer was in court.

    Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia consequently adjourned the matter until April 27 for arraignment.

    The charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/122/2026, was filed by Anthony Egwu, a police officer.

    In count one, Aliu and Tunde were alleged to have, sometime in January 2026, conspired, aided and abetted each other to cyberstalk Moniepoint Microfinance Bank by creating a fraudulent platform to solicit online tumultuous engagement.

    They were alleged to have promised the sum of N500,000 to unsuspecting victim who would comment with the phrase “Moniepoint Scandal” and share any imaginary scandalous experience regarding Moniepoint MFB, for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.

    The police said the offence is contrary to Section 27(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 (as amended) in 2024 and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the same Act.

  • Ex-Railway manager heads editorial board of CILT Nigeria

    Ex-Railway manager heads editorial board of CILT Nigeria

    The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has appointed Chief Festus Okorie, a former District Public Relation’s Manager, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as its Editorial Board Chairman, to oversee editorial standards for global competitiveness.

    The institute’s National Executive Director, Mr Reynolds Shodeinde, in a letter signed on Tuesday in Lagos, stated that the appointment was part of the organisation’s commitment for publication of its periodic journals,
    strengthen professional authority, research capacity and ensure industry relevance.

    According to him, the board is also instituted to provide strategic direction, ensure high editorial standards and sustain credible knowledge dissemination within the logistics and transport sector.

    He said that the editorial board was established to oversee the planning, production and quality assurance of the institute’s magazine and related publications.

    ”It will ensure that all content reflects the values, professionalism, and strategic objectives of CILT Nigeria.

    ”The scoop, objectives and responsibilities are not limited to the institute’s magazine and newsletters; special publications as well as reports and conference proceedings.

    ”The objectives are to produce high-quality publication that promotes knowledge, professionalism, visibility of CILT Nigeria as well as provide members and stakeholders with relevant industry insight,” he said.

    Shodeinde said that the board members would also develop and implement editorial policies and guidelines; plan and approve magazine themes; content schedule; publications timeline and features.

    In his acceptance address, Okorie congratulated the board members, noting that the appointment was a testament to their expertise and dedication to the institute’s mission.

    He called on the board members to work together with love, respect and open mind, adding,” we’ll sacrifice our time, share our talents and treasure our collective efforts to produce outstanding work to make the CILT Nigeria proud”.

    Chief Okorie holds many professional degrees including; CILT International Diploma (London) in Transport; Chartered member of the National Institute of Marketing; Post Graduate Diploma in journalism and Competency Certificates in Railway Operations.

    He has 35 years experience in operations, advertising and Public Relations department of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

  • Group celebrates Gov. Mbah at 54, urges continuity 

    Group celebrates Gov. Mbah at 54, urges continuity 

    Group celebrates Gov. Mbah at 54, urges continuity

    The Tomorrow Is Here Movement has felicitated Gov. Peter Mbah on his 54th birthday anniversary and urged him to continue in his people-focussed and visionary leadership of Enugu State.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu by the movement’s President, Chief Tony Okonkwo (‘Ome Na Nwayo’) on behalf of the executives and members of the organisation.

    Okonkwo noted that the event provided the movement a meaningful opportunity to celebrate not only the anniversary of the  birth of the governor but also his visionary leadership.

    According to him, we are also celebrating His Excellency’s dedication, and tireless commitment which he has demonstrated in the service of the people of Enugu State.

    “Your administration has continued to inspire hope, confidence, and renewed belief in purposeful governance among the people.

    “Your Excellency, since assuming office, your bold and transformative policies have continued to redefine governance and development across the state.

    “Your unwavering focus on economic growth, youth empowerment, digital innovation, infrastructural development, and improved security has clearly positioned Enugu State on a progressive path toward sustainable prosperity.

    “We particularly commend your visionary commitment to equipping the youths with modern skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” he said.

    The movement boss noted that Mbah’s  forward-thinking approach had opened new opportunities for young people.

    He said that the governor’s vision had also strengthened the foundation for a more productive and globally competitive Enugu State.

    “As a movement deeply committed to progressive leadership and community development, the Tomorrow Is Here Movement remains proud to identify with your administration and its noble objectives.

    “Your leadership style continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who believe in hard work, accountability, and service to the people,” he said.

    Okonkwo prayed that the Almighty would continue to grant the governor wisdom, strength, sound health, and greater grace as you steer the affairs of Enugu State toward greater heights.

    “May your years ahead be filled with continued success, fulfillment, and remarkable achievements in service to humanity.

    “Once again, Your Excellency, we celebrate you today and always. Happy Birthday and many happy returns,” he added.

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  • Abba Kyari: Convicts narrate how NDLEA operatives allegedly aided them in cocaine deal

    Abba Kyari: Convicts narrate how NDLEA operatives allegedly aided them in cocaine deal

     

     

    Two convicted drug traffickers; Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, on Monday, narrated how the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)’s officers allegedly aided them to beat security checks at Enugu International Airport before their arrest by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

    The duo, who had since served their two-year jail term, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a video evidence played in the open court at the instance of the DCP Abba Kyari, former head of IRT, and his co-defendants.

    Justice Nwite had, on Feb. 27, admitted the video recording of the confessional statements by the two drug traffickers tendered by the Nigeria Police through Insp El-John Nwoke, the 2nd defence witness (DW-2), in the ongoing trial of Kyari and four police officers.

    Other defendants include ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Insp Simon Agirgba and Insp John Nuhu, who were all officers of the Police IRT.

    Nwoke, while testifying, on Jan. 28, had told the court that Umeibe and Ezenwanne, after their arrest by the IRT officers, confessed to the police investigating team how NDLEA operatives allegedly shielded them at the airport on Jan. 19, 2022, before the police arrested them.

    The witness said that a video recording of the interview session was downloaded in a DVD.

    However, when Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, had sought to tender the video recording as evidence in the case, the NDLEA’s lawyer, Joseph Sunday, objected and after a prolonged argument, the judge fixed Feb. 27 for a ruling.

    Following the ruling of Justice Nwite admitting the video recording in evidence and marking it as “Exhibit D-3,” Abdul Mohammed, SAN, who appeared for Kyari on Monday, applied that the video recording, tendered through the DW-2, who is a subpeaned witness, be played in open court.

    “We apply to play that CD before this honourable court so as to demonstrate the defendants’ case before this court, ” he said.

    The senior lawyer told the court that the video recording was about 27 minutes and two seconds long.

    He said the two convicted drug traffickers were the ones who testified as 6th and 7th prosecution witnesses in the case.

    Responding, the prosecuting lawyer did not raise an objection to Mohammed’s application and the judge directed that the video recording be played.

    Umeibe and Ezenwanne, while being interrogated by the police team, were seeing, standing and responding to questions put across to them.

    “Whatever you say in this video shall be tenderd as evidence against you in any court of law,” one of the interviewers had said.

    Umeibe, who said he was 29 years old at the time, told the police investigating team how he was lured into trafficking of hard drugs by a friend called Bassey.

    He said he got into the illicit business due financial problem.

    He confessed that the police arrested him with the cocaine at the Enugu International Airport.

    Whne he was asked if he actually trafficked the cocaine, Umeibe responded in the affirmative.

    He said he bought the substance from addiss Abbaba in Ethiopia into the country.

    When he was asked if it is lawful or unlawful to trafficked cocaine, he said, “it is unlawful. ”

    Umeibe, who said he benefitted N500, 000 from the first trip in 2021, said this was the second time he would be engaging in the business.

    He explained how the substance is packaged before embarking on the journey.

    When he was asked the actual quantity of the substance he trafficked, he said he did not know what it was.

    when asked who usually collected the drugs from them, he said: “We don’t know who will collect the drugs.

    “After we leave the airport, we will enter the night bus to Lagos and call the person we will hand over the drugs to.”

    He said he was expected to also benefit the sum of N500, 000 from the instant trip.

    When asked who would deliver the money to him, he said it was the person they would call as soon as they reached Lagos State.

    He explained how transactions running into billions of naira sighted on his phone with samples of susbtance suspected to be cocaine, were carried out.

    Ezenwanne, who said he was 45 years old at the time, said he holds a secondary school certificate.

    He confirmed that the police arrested him at the Enugu International Airport with cocaine.

    He said though he had travelled up to four times, this was the second time he would be trafficking cocaine.

    “The other times, I came back without any cocaine, ” he said.

    He said he was into clothing business before he went into cocaine trafficking.

    Ezenwanne also said he was lured into the drug trafficking through his friends who are Brazilian based.

    He said after he was given the substance, he was told that someone would called him as soon as he got to Lagos.

    “I got to Nigeria, I entered night bus to Lagos and I called the man at Ago bridge where he came to give me my money.

    ” I used the money to pay some of the debts I was owning and used tyevrestvto take care of my family.

    Ezenwanne, who said he does not take cocaine, said trafficking it is illegal and that it is not good to human health.

    On how they beat security checks at the airport, he said: “At first, while I accept this is because of the situation of things for me.”

    He said when he is given the substance, his photograph would be taken and be used to process his easy access at the airport.

    “My picture will be sent to the NDLEA (officers) at the airport by the person that sent me this thing (cocaine).

    “After I snapped the picture, I will give it to the person that gave me this stuff. He is the one that will use it for other things which I don’t know.

    “But for me, I think it is for the NDLEA,” he said.

    Also speaking on how they usually have easy access into the country, Umeibe said: “If we want to move from Addis Abbaba, we will snap pictures and send to the person that sent us.

    “The person will now send it to NDLEA (officers). So when we get to the airport, they wiill now know us and clear us, ” he also said.

    When asked if the officers at the airport don’t normally search them, Umeibe said : “They will open the bag and cover it again.”

    When he was asked if they usuly search them properly or not, he said: “Not properly.”

    Umeibe said the anti-narcotic officers at the airport already knew they were coming, hence, there would be no thorough checks on their lugagge.

    After the video recording ended, the defence lawyer sought an adjournment to enable them to crosscheck their transcript with what they had before they continue to continue examine the the witness.

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until April April 20 and 21 for continuation of trial.

  • NTDA Marketplace: Moving Nigeria’s Tourism from Potential to Prosperity

    NTDA Marketplace: Moving Nigeria’s Tourism from Potential to Prosperity

    By Jimoh Babatunde
    For decades, Nigeria’s tourism sector has been described as a sleeping giant—rich in culture, heritage, festivals and natural attractions, yet largely underexploited economically. While policymakers and stakeholders have often spoken about unlocking the sector’s vast potential, tangible platforms that translate that promise into business opportunities have remained limited.
    However, the forthcoming NTDA Marketplace, an initiative of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), seeks to change that narrative by creating a dynamic platform where tourism businesses, cultural entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers can converge to showcase opportunities, forge partnerships and stimulate real economic activity.
    In this interview, the Director-General of NTDA, Ola Awakan, explains why the Marketplace represents a major shift in the country’s tourism development strategy and how it aligns with the broader vision of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy led by Hannatu Musa Musawa.
    From conversation to commerce
    According to Awakan, discussions about tourism in Nigeria have often centred on policy frameworks and the enormous potential of the sector. The NTDA Marketplace, he said, is designed to shift the focus from rhetoric to real business engagement.
    “For a long time, tourism conversations in Nigeria have focused on policy and potential. What the NTDA Marketplace does is move tourism from conversation to commerce,” he said.
    He explained that the initiative will create a structured ecosystem where tourism enterprises—from tour operators and cultural performers to hospitality providers and creative entrepreneurs—can interact directly with investors and business partners.
    The concept, he noted, builds on the success of earlier cultural showcases such as Naija Flavour, which held in December and highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity through food, fashion, music and arts.
    “The Marketplace expands that idea by creating a more structured platform where tourism enterprises can grow, attract investment and reach new markets,” Awakan explained.
    Economic opportunities for small businesses
    One of the central objectives of the Marketplace is to strengthen the participation of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism value chain.
    Awakan noted that tourism SMEs often struggle to access financing, partnerships and visibility, despite their important role in driving local tourism experiences.
    “The Marketplace will stimulate direct business activity by giving SMEs the opportunity to sell products, attract partnerships and access new markets,” he said.
    Beyond immediate transactions, he said the platform will allow tourism entrepreneurs to engage directly with banks, investors and corporate organisations.
    This interaction, he added, could open doors to financing opportunities and help small tourism businesses formalise and expand their operations.
    In a deliberate effort to encourage participation, NTDA has made the event free for SMEs.
    “Participation in the Marketplace is completely free for SMEs as part of our commitment to supporting tourism entrepreneurs and encouraging small businesses in the sector to thrive bigger and better,” he said.
    Tourism and economic diversification
    Awakan believes that strengthening the tourism ecosystem could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
    Tourism, he noted, is not an isolated industry but a sector that connects several parts of the economy including hospitality, transportation, agriculture, culture and the creative industries.
    “In the long term, the bigger impact will be enterprise development and job creation across the tourism value chain,” he said.
    By expanding opportunities within the sector, he added, tourism can help generate employment while also creating new sources of national revenue.
    Attracting global attention
    Another major objective of the NTDA Marketplace is to position Nigeria as both a tourism destination and an investment destination.
    Awakan explained that many of Nigeria’s tourism assets—from cultural festivals and heritage sites to eco-tourism locations and hospitality projects—remain largely unknown to global investors and international travellers.
    The Marketplace, he said, will provide a platform to showcase these opportunities in a coordinated manner.
    “It creates visibility for hospitality projects, cultural destinations, eco-tourism assets and tourism infrastructure opportunities that investors may not ordinarily see,” he noted.
    Beyond infrastructure, he emphasised that tourism thrives on storytelling and authentic cultural experiences.
    “Nigeria is a microcosm of stories—from our diverse cultures and festivals to our cuisine, heritage sites and vibrant creative industries. Today’s travellers are looking for authentic experiences, and Nigeria offers an extraordinary range of them,” he said.
    Aligning with national cultural policy
    Awakan also stressed that the initiative aligns closely with the strategic vision of the Federal Government to harness culture and creativity as drivers of economic growth.
    Under the leadership of Musawa, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has placed renewed emphasis on leveraging Nigeria’s cultural assets to expand the creative economy.
    According to Awakan, tourism naturally sits at the intersection of culture, entertainment, heritage and creative enterprise.
    “The Marketplace creates a practical platform where these sectors intersect to generate economic value,” he explained.
    A regional tourism hub in the making
    Looking ahead, Awakan revealed that the long-term vision is for the NTDA Marketplace to evolve into a recurring national and eventually regional tourism trade platform.
    Such a platform, he said, could position Nigeria as a major tourism and cultural business hub in West Africa.
    “We see the Marketplace evolving into a regular tourism trade platform where businesses, investors and cultural enterprises come together,” he said.
    With its population size, cultural diversity and creative energy, Awakan believes Nigeria has the capacity to become a leading tourism destination on the continent—if the right ecosystems are consistently developed.
    For industry stakeholders, the NTDA Marketplace may well represent the beginning of that transformation: a step toward turning Nigeria’s vast tourism potential into sustainable economic prosperity.

  • My desire is to take Niger State to zenith of dev’t, says Ndarani, SAN

    My desire is to take Niger State to zenith of dev’t, says Ndarani, SAN

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    A renowned legal luminary, Barrister Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, says his senatorial aspiration is to galvanise national development.

    Ndarani also declared that as a Senator representing Niger South (Zone A) Senatorial District, Niger state would witness the zenith of development.

    “I am aspiring to contest the coveted seat to bolster the even socio-economic development of the zone, Niger State and Nigeria in general.

    “We are in the party to support our indefatigable farmer Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, to consolidate the development of the state,” he added.

    Ndarani spoke on (Sunday/Tuesday?) when him and his team visited the State Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare his intent to contest for Niger South Senatorial Seat in 2027.

    The epochal visit of the legal silk to the APC secretariat was for him to declare his intention to contest the Niger South Senatorial Seat come 2027.
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    He applauded Gov. Bago for his uncommon commitment to the development of the state, saying “we are also fully committed to complementing his laudable efforts in this direction.

    “We are also fully committed to supporting his vision and mission of taking Niger State to greater heights.

    “We are also committed to further facilitating the good works he has started and he has achieved 95 per cent in this direction”.

    Ndarani recalled that he has been a founding member of the APC since its formation in 2015, commending the ancestors of the state for their utmost and invaluable contributions to its development.

    The legal icon further lauded the governor for ensuring the conduct of successful congresses across the state and at all levels.

    “I will do everything humanly possible to ensure that APC waxes stronger and in utmost unity.

    “We have immense confidence in our governor and the current set of leaders of the party in the state.

    “We are ready to support our great party for it to clinch all positions at all levels during the forthcoming 2027 general elections.”

    Responding, the State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Aminu Bobi, who was visibly elated, described the APC in Zone “A” as strong and united.

    Bobi, who threw his weight behind the aspiration of Ndarani, described him as a major and critical stakeholder of the party in the area and the state .

    He also congratulated Zone “A” for having an unassuming and consummate personality like Ndarani and cautioned them against repeating the horrible mistakes of the past

    The APC chairman, therefore, urged them to produce quality candidates who have 100 per cent support base like Ndarani, who enjoys massive support from the members, leaders and stakeholders of the party.

    Bobi also described Ndarani as a truly loyal and committed card-carrying member of APC, warning them against double standards and any form of anti-party activity.

    According to him, APC direly needs people like Ndarani, saying “APC welcomes him and we will support him.”

    Engr. Dagachi Mohammed Etsugaie, the Director General (DG), Ndarani SAN Senatorial Organization (NDASSO) presented him as the candidate for the Zone A youth, saying they were on a “rescue mission” to bring development to the district.

    In his remarks, Bar. Mohammed Liman Nku, who spoke on behalf of other lawyers from Zone A’ supported Ndarani Mohammed’s candidacy, saying it’s time for Zone A to enjoy democracy dividends after years of neglect.

    A cross section of other speakers at the historic visit, underscored the desirability of the aspiration of Ndarani in the 2027 general elections to ramp up the growth and development of the state in general and the zone in particular.

  • Opeyori Urges Aspiring Badminton Players to Focus on Basics, Stay Consistent

    Opeyori Urges Aspiring Badminton Players to Focus on Basics, Stay Consistent

    Opeyori Urges Aspiring Badminton Players to Focus on Basics, Stay Consistent

     

    By Oluwaseyi Ogunwomoju-Oduneye

     

    Two-time Olympic badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has urged aspiring players to remain focused, disciplined and consistent in order to succeed in the sport.

     

    Opeyori, who is based in the United States, said sustained improvement in badminton depends largely on a player’s commitment to training and ability to understand their development pattern.

     

    “Discipline and consistency are very important. Players must keep showing up and recognise their training patterns, otherwise improvement becomes difficult,” he said.

     

    He stressed that players must evaluate their performance regularly, maintain training intensity and develop the right mindset to excel.

     

    “Every shot counts in badminton. Beginners must understand what they are doing right or wrong and stay committed without giving up easily,” he added.

     

    The Olympian, who competed at both the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics, also served as Nigeria’s team captain and flag bearer during the parade of nations in Paris.

     

    Opeyori advised beginners to focus on mastering the basics rather than rushing into advanced techniques.

     

    “They should build a solid foundation—footwork, clear shots and basic drop shots. Smashing involves complex techniques and starting with it can damage their development,” he explained.

     

    “Badminton requires patience. It is not a sport you can master in a hurry.”

     

    Widely regarded as Africa’s most decorated male badminton player, Opeyori is a two-time African Games gold medallist and a men’s singles champion at the African Badminton Championships.

     

    Speaking on challenges facing Nigerian athletes, he identified inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and limited access to quality coaching as major setbacks.

     

    “Growing up in Nigeria requires survival skills. Sports need resources—equipment, facilities and manpower—but I focused on what I could control,” he said.

     

    Opeyori noted that his academic background in business management has helped him navigate his career effectively.

     

    Reflecting on his journey, he revealed that badminton came unexpectedly.

     

    “I didn’t start with a clear target. The sport came by coincidence after I initially considered gymnastics but didn’t continue due to impatience,” he said.

     

    He, however, recalled setting a personal goal ahead of the maiden International Lagos Classic in 2014 that no foreign player would defeat him on home soil—a target he successfully achieved.

     

    Now competing actively in the United States, Opeyori said access to better facilities and training partners has improved his performance.

     

    “I’m still active and open to representing Nigeria. The training environment here pushes me to work harder,” he said.

     

    He disclosed plans to compete in a Super 300 tournament in May, part of the Badminton World Federation World Tour, which features 11 events globally.