Hon. Jabayang Backs Taraba Badminton Team with N2.5m Support

 The candidate of  All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA for the Jalingo, Yorro and Zing (JYZ) Federal Constituency seat in 2027, Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang, has pledged a total of N2.5 million in support of badminton development in Taraba State, as part of efforts to boost youth engagement through sports.

Jabayang made the announcement on Thursday evening at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola, where he attended the ongoing National Badminton Competition to support Team Taraba.

The politician, who was on hand to cheer the state’s contingent, commended the athletes for their impressive performance and dedication, noting that they have continued to represent Taraba with pride at the national level.

In a major show of support, he announced a donation of N1 million to the Taraba badminton team to aid their preparation for an upcoming nationwide intermediary competition scheduled to hold in Lagos in the second and third weeks of October.

He further disclosed plans to sponsor a state badminton championship in Jalingo, earmarking N1.5 million for the tournament, which is expected to take place in the first week of October.

The combined support brings his total commitment to N2.5 million.

Jabayang said the initiative underscores his belief in sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery and social cohesion.

He urged the athletes to remain focused and disciplined, assuring them of continued support as they strive for excellence and greater achievements.

The gesture has been widely applauded by sports enthusiasts, who say increased private support remains critical to the growth of grassroots sports development in the state.