Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award (AWIBA), in recognition of her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para-badminton.

The prestigious award was presented during the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, in China.

Bolaji, a multiple-time African champion, becomes the second Nigerian to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of badminton veteran Obiageli Solaja who received the award in 2019.

Receiving the award on her behalf, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described the recognition as timely and well-deserved. He commended Bolaji’s dedication and trailblazing accomplishments, noting her impact on the growth of para-badminton in Africa.

“I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji. This award reflects the BCA’s recognition of her remarkable progress,” Orbih said. “As the first African to win a medal in badminton or para-badminton at the Olympics or Paralympics, I believe she is only just beginning to make her mark on the global stage.

“This award will not only motivate Eniola but also inspire a new generation of Nigerian and African para-badminton players. It shows that their efforts are being noticed and celebrated.”

Orbih also extended his appreciation to the new leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, for the way they have continuously demonstrated that there is a breath of fresh air in sports in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, Orbih highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to host two international para-badminton championships in Abia State this September/October.

“We are looking forward to delivering world-class events. This is an exciting moment for Nigerian badminton, and we intend to set a new benchmark,” he added.

Previous AWIBA Winners:

• 2018 – Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa)

• 2019 – Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria)

• 2020 – Hadia Hosny (Egypt)

• 2021 – Lynn Du Preez (Namibia)

• 2022 – Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia)

• 2023 – Harriet Semugabi (Uganda)

The Olympic Solidarity, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Sport For All Commission will organise the Olympic Day celebration, which has been scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025. 

The event is a Special Day to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. 

The Day also aims to encourage people to be physically active for at least 30 minutes daily, corresponding to the minimum time recommended by the World Health Organisation for good health.

The event is an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of physical activity.

It allows people of all ages to learn about Olympic values and to apply them in their everyday lives. 

Engaging in exercises promotes health and fitness for individuals.

Jogging and walking help burn calories, tone muscles, shape the body, and de-stress the mind.

Dr Abdul Ibrahim, Chairman of NOC Sport-For-All Commission, said: “As part of this vision, our upcoming campaign will be both social and inclusive in its approach with a clear call to action.

Exercising is more fun when it’s social, so invite someone to join you in getting active”.

Having already sent it to all the various states of the Federation, and with the programme fast approaching, we encourage the State Sports Councils or Commissions to begin their preparations.

By promoting the participation of many states in the 2024 Olympic Day celebration, we expect more states to participate in the programme in view of its immense benefit to the general public.

This year, we encourage everyone to engage in physical activity regularly to foster meaningful connections with young and old people. 

NOC encourages corporate and philanthropic individuals to donate financially or support us with their products in view of the mileage it will give to their companies. 

Grand  Patron  , Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, Senatot  Oluremi  Tinubu  has commended teams that took part in the 39th edition of the 

AFRICAN WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP for putting up good performanceS. 

The Nigerian first lady who was the special guest of honour at the closing ceremony in Abuja, BELIEVEs AFRICA CAN CONQUER THE WORLD IN SPORTS. 

“For the past two weeks we have witnessed the spirit of Africa at its finest. While I practically experienced the excellent skills displayed in the opening match between Nigeria and Cameroon, i have no doubts that Africa is set to rule the world of sports.

To every team that participated, i celebrate you all. You have honoured us with your participation and inspired us with your performance. As you return to your respective clubs and countries, remember that you carry the colour of your nation as well as the admiration of Nigeria. I could not be more proud of what has transpired here. May the bonds formed and the lessons learned during this tournament continue to strengthen women’s volleyball across Africa.” She said 

THE INDOOR SPORTS HALL OF MKO ABIOLA STADIUM FILLED UP with SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS ON GROUND TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE FINALS THAT HAD SIXTEEN CLUBS IN THE VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY BEFORE IT BECAME an ALL EGYPTIAN FINALS.

THE THRILLING AND ENTERTAINING FINALS HAD EGYPTIAN NINE TIME CHAMPIONS AL AHLY  TAKE ON HOME,  CONTINENTAL RIVAL AND BACK TO BACK DEFENDING CHAMPION ZAMALEK . 

BOTH TEAMS SHOWed  STRENGTH AND SKILLS ENDING the first 29 – 27 in zamalek’s favour. 

AL AHLY LEVELLED UP AND SHOWed  GRIT TO WIN  the second set 25 – 22.

THE THIRD SET ended 25-20  IN FAVOUR OF ZAMALEK OVER AL AHLY TO PUSH THE TOUGH FINAL TO FOURTH SET which ZAMALEK Won  25-22, THROWING THE ARENA INTO FRENZY AFTER SECURING THE TROPHY FOR THE THIRD TIME  IN A ROW.

ZAMALEK WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CLUB CELEBRATED WITH MUCH ECSTASY TO RULE AFRICA AGAIN.

THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS COULD NOT HOLD HIS JOY FOR A MEMORABLE ENDING OF THE SPORTING EVENT.

“I’ve been so excited and fulfilled, it’s been two weeks and  we gave everything that we had, we must express our gratitude to our excellency, the First Lady, the grand patron. She has set a very good record for us and already CAVB are already thinking of making her the grand patron of future games, not just for this game. And you could see how she has mobilized women and increased the visibility and popularity of the sports. The technical committee also did very well. When we started this journey we had two objectives. We were playing as host, we finished 9th but we are also the organizers  and we did extremely well. So in the whole I think it is volleyball that has won today” He said 

THE 2025 AFRICAN WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL INTER-CUB CHAMPIONSHIP WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE BEST TOURNAMENTS CONSIDERING THE ACCOLADES AND KUDOS FROM PARTICIPATING TEAMS TO THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE FOR a SOLID ORGANISATION AND HOSPITALITY.