Sports Department: African Badminton Champion, Unveils K- Sports Initiative, Donates Sports Equipment
By Our Correspondent
Two times African badminton Champion, Jinkam Bulus Ifraimu has visited Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State as part of efforts to encourage the development of sports at the grassroots level of the state.
Mr Jinkam Bulus Ifraimu during the visit paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of Takum local government area, Hon John Ali and the Chief of Takum, Barr Sophia Ahmadu, Gboshi III.
He was also at the Government Secondary School Takum where he organized an orientation exercise and donated some equipment to enhance sports development.
Exchanging views with his hosts, the badminton Champion said “improving sports begins with investing in the infrastructures that supports it.
“Our communities need accessible, modern, and well-maintained sports facilities “.
He stressed that it is equally important to create safe spaces where people of all ages feel encouraged to participate in sports, whether for leisure, health, or competition.
He charged the people of Takum to see sports as a tool for youth development.
“We must prioritize programmes that identify and nurture young talent. “Through school-based sports programmes, after-school initiatives, and community sports leagues, we can offer every young person the chance to develop their athletic potentials”.
“Talent identification should be a key focus, where we work in partnership with schools, local sports clubs, and national federations to discover and support promising athletes. With proper mentorship, training, and resources, we can elevate local talent to national and even international levels.
“Sports should not be limited to youth; it should be a lifelong endeavor. We must create opportunities for adults and seniors to remain active”.
Responding, the Chairman of Takum Local Government, Hon John Ali spoke of the need to work towards making sports inclusive, regardless of background, gender, or ability, everyone, saying should have the opportunity to participate.
On his part, Chief of Takum Barr Sophia Ahmadu, Gboshi III said a successful sports programme cannot thrive in isolation, calling for the engagement of the community, local businesses, and non-profit organizations to help grow sports at the grassroots level.
” Through partnerships with local businesses, we can attract sponsorships and investments that help fund sports programmes.
According to him, Local Governments also have the responsibility to raise awareness about the benefits of sports. “Campaigns that promote fitness, healthy lifestyles, and the value of sports can increase participation and highlight the positive impact on individual and community health”.
The Monarch is optimistic that Takum Local Government Area is capable of raising professional sports men and women but quickly added that the plan has to start right now.
The K Sports Development Initiative team had earlier visited Aku Uka’s palace in Wukari for the official endorsement and unveiling of K Sports development Initiative programme.
The purpose is to create awareness, support and launch the K Sports development Initiative project which is geared towards raising professional sports men and women from the grassroots level.
During the visit, the two times African badminton Champion, Jinkam Bulus Ifraimu appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for honouring him by sponsoring his trip to Egypt to embark on a professional course in sports.
He announced that the Governor has donated a utility vehicle and 10 million naira to enable him to actualize his long time vision, promising to focus on partnerships, funding opportunities and the organization of events like tournaments or educational programmes to promote sports development at the grassroots level.
In his remarks, the Aku Uka, Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, thanked the former African badminton Champion and his team for the courtesy visit, assuring him of maximum support and cooperation to achieve his aspirations.
The two times African badminton Champion equally donated some sporting equipment to the palace to encourage sport activities.
Mr Jinkam Bulus Ifraimu also interacted with the Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area, Hon Dauda Samaila Agbu who promised the total support of the Council for all initiatives aimed at enhancing sports department in Taraba State in view of the significance of sports to peace and harmonious living among the people.
