Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Isaiah Ose, has unveil the Solid Miners Badminton Club, a new team intended to represent Nasarawa State in future regional and national tournaments.
He made the announcement during the maiden edition of the ANOSAPU of Agbashi Open Badminton Championship, at the Lafia Sports Arena. He revealed plans to collaborate with the State Government for a Statewide Junior Badminton Championship in late May 2026.
Lt. Col. Ose, who is a serving military officer from Doma Local Government Area of the state, emphasised that the championship’s core goal is talent identification to curb youth unemployment and criminality.
Declaring the event open, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu performed the ceremonial serve-off.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Governor praised the military officer for his civic leadership.
“This tournament is more than medals and trophies it is an investment in discipline, excellence, and the future of our young people,” he said. “It is commendable to see a soldier extending the frontiers of service beyond the battlefield to the development of our youth.”
The Governor further pledged continued support for private-sector initiatives and announced that the Lafia Sports Arena would undergo renovations to better accommodate the increasing influx of sporting events now visiting the state.
The two-day tournament served off an impressive new chapter for indoor sports in the state. It brought together flagship clubs from across the state capital including IMAP, NAF, FULafia, and Cathedral Badminton Clubs to battle for rankings, medals, and the chance to be scouted for national assignments.
The tournament featured high-octane rallies in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Paul Chiviter of Isah Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic (IMAP) emerged as the star of the tournament, clinching the Gold medal in the Men’s Singles category after defeating Kuje Joseph of Cathedral Club 2-0.
In a notable veteran clash, the duo of Paulinus Wahe (a retired Permanent Secretary) and Pam R of Cathedral Club defeated Professor Amali and Professor Al-Amin of the NAF Club 2-0.
The event concluded with the presentation of medals and special awards to key supporters of the sport, including Governor Abdullahi Sule, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, alongside sports advocates Hamza Moyi, Eche Amos, and God’spower Ede.
Athletes Paul Chiviter and Evelyn Bulus expressed their gratitude to the organisers, noting that such platforms are vital for keeping their skills sharp and their professional dreams alive.
By Amina Mohammed, Lafia.
