Gateway Games: Taraba Badminton Team Arrives Abeokuta, Set To Participate In The Opening Ceremony On Sunday
By Our Correspondent
The Taraba State Badminton team arrived in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in preparation for the opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.
This year’s festival, titled “Gateway Games Ogun 2024,” is scheduled to begin on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with participation from all 36 states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Taraba State Badminton team, led by two-time African badminton champion Bulus Ifraimu Jinkam, will play their first match on Sunday.
In a telephone interview with our reporter, Jinkam expressed gratitude for their safe journey and prayed for success for all athletes representing the state in the various sporting events.
Jinkam also extended his appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication to sports development and youth empowerment.
He assured Dr Agbu Kefas that the team is committed to making Taraba proud and aims to bring home medals.
A source within the Taraba State contingent, which is expected to arrive in Abeokuta shortly, reported that their journey is going smoothly, and both athletes and officials are fit and optimistic about achieving victory.
Before the team departed for Ogun State, Mrs Indo Markson, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Sports Council, revealed that the state government had provided all necessary logistics to ensure a successful and smooth outing.
She expressed her gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for his ongoing support and motivation for both athletes and officials, describing his dedication to sports development and youth empowerment as unparalleled.
Recall that on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Governor Kefas visited the Jolly Nyame Stadium to bid farewell to the contingents and prayed for their safety and success.
During his address, he urged the athletes to be good ambassadors for the state and encouraged them to give their best efforts to make Taraba proud.
