President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has declared Kwara State fully prepared to host national and international sporting events following his inspection of the newly renovated Indoor Sports Hall in Ilorin.
Orbih made the declaration on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after a guided tour of the facility alongside the Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Ibrahim Bako; Technical Director of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mallam Tunde Kazeem; former Commissioner for Sports, Hameed Adio, and other key sports stakeholders.
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Describing the hall as one of the best rehabilitated indoor sports facilities globally, the BFN President said the arena meets all basic requirements for hosting top-level badminton and other indoor competitions.
He noted that the quality of the renovation reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment to sports development and positions the state as a credible 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.
Also speaking during the inspection, Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to promote sports development through improved infrastructure. He assured stakeholders that the government would continue to support sports federations while ensuring proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the facility.
Bako explained that the renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall forms part of the state’s broader agenda to revive sports infrastructure and create a conducive environment for athletes to train, compete, and excel.
Former international athlete and sports administrator, Hameed Adio, who was also present, praised the Kwara State Government for prioritising sports infrastructure. He described the renovated hall as a significant boost to sports development and evidence of purposeful leadership.
Adio urged sports federations across the country to inspect and utilise the facility for competitions, training camps, and development programmes, noting that the standard of the hall makes it suitable for elite sporting activities.
The inspection underscores growing confidence in Kwara State’s readiness to host major sporting events, as improved facilities continue to place the state on Nigeria’s sports development map.
