Sunday Dare, Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Development Minister, has heaped praises on Mrs. Obiageli Solaja following the honour bestowed on her as the recipient of the 2019 African Women in Badminton Award as the seventh- time African Women’s champion and 10-times Nigeria national champion in her playing days is one of the pioneers of badminton at the Olympics.
The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), bestowed the Award as she becomes the second recipient of the award, following that of Gretha Prinsloo of South Africa who received the 2018 award last year during the BCA Annual General Meeting in Nanning China as the honour will be bestowed on her at the BCA Annual General Meeting 2020 at a date to be fixed later due to the current COVID-19 global pandemic.
Dare remarked: “I wish to register my profound congratulations to one of Nigeria’s pioneer International Badminton players Mrs. Oby Solaja for her recognition as the winner of the prestigious BCA award.
This honour is not only well deserved, but symbolic. Coming at a time when Nigeria has shown commitment to the development of Badminton makes it special.
“This award is not just for you, but one that has made every Nigerian proud. This is reward of your commitment, hard work and dedication as a pioneer badminton player, coach and administrator.
“Indeed, it an honour well deserved. I urge you not to relent in using your pole position in the game to further develop the sport in our country. This is also a recognition of the sterling leadership of the President of the Badminton President Francis Orbih who has displayed astute leadership,” Dare remarked.
As a female badminton player in Nigeria and Africa as well,nee Oby Edoga has won three gold medals in the Africa Senior Championships in 1996; Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Double.
Her qualification for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, is a landmark as she became one of the first three female badminton players in Africa to participate in the badminton event at the Olympics.
