Daniel Dibal, an aspiring board member for the FCT Badminton Association, has outlined an ambitious vision to help revitalise the sport in the Federal Capital Territory, promising to increase awareness and establish a robust grassroots development programme.
Dibal, who recently underwent screening for the upcoming elections, emphasised the social aspect of badminton and its potential for wider community engagement.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports in Abuja, Dibal articulated his core motivation: “I want to be a board member of the FCT Badminton Association to bring more awareness to the game and to make sure that we go to the grassroots.” He acknowledged the existing active players within the FCT badminton club, stating, “we believe that with our input that we want to bring on board, it will move badminton forward.”
Addressing the critical issue of inadequate badminton courts across the FCT, a significant barrier to youth participation, Dibal unveiled a strategic plan centred on school partnerships and corporate sponsorship. “First of all, we want to start with the schools,” he explained. “We want to start visiting the schools within the FCT, the Municipal Area Councils, and partner with them.”
This initiative aims to formally introduce badminton into the school curriculum, providing young Nigerians with early exposure and access to the sport.
To overcome infrastructure limitations, Dibal plans to actively seek financial backing from local organisations and companies. “We will look for sponsorships from the organisations that we have around, the companies, so that we’ll be able to build courts for the schools,” he stated. Beyond infrastructure, the programme will also focus on coaching and development: “we’ll be able to teach them more about badminton so that they will pick up from the grassroots, from their level to the next level.”
Dibal’s comprehensive approach, combining grassroots outreach with strategic partnerships, suggests a determined effort to democratise access to badminton and foster a new generation of players within the FCT. His candidacy offers a clear roadmap for addressing the sport’s current challenges and unlocking its full potential in the region.
