Current National and African Badminton champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has maintained his position as the winner of the men’s singles category of the 4th Mutual Benefits National Badminton Championship for the 2023 edition held in Lagos.

Opeyori, representing Lagos State, was not only rewarded with a N250,000 cash prize but also received a personal accident insurance cover worth N5 million from Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, one of the sponsors of the championship.

The insurance cover would protect Opeyori in the event of death, permanent disability, and medical expenses.

The men’s singles category also saw Victor Ikechukwu, representing Rivers State, emerge as the first runner-up and receive a N200,000 cash prize.

The second and third runners-up in the category were awarded N150,000 cash prizes each.

In the women’s singles category, Ruth Ebere, representing Edo State, emerged as the winner and received a N250,000 cash prize.

Deborah Ukeh, also from Edo State, secured the second position and was awarded N200,000.

Moving on to the men’s doubles, Opeyori, partnered with Daniel Christopher of Lagos State, emerged as the winners and received a N150,000 cash prize each.

Victor Ikechukwu and Emmanuel Joseph of Rivers State came in second place in this category and received N100,000 each.

In the women’s doubles category, Grace Gabriel and Ramatu Yakubu, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emerged as the winners and received N150,000 each.

Zainab Alebi and Sofiat Obanisola of Rivers State secured the second position and were awarded N100,000 respectively.

Other winners of the mixed double also got cash prizes varying from N150,000 for the winner, and N100,000 for the first runner-up, while the two third runners-up received N75,000.

Speaking on the development, the Group Chairman, of Mutual Benefits, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to sponsor the tournament and announced the one-year personal accident insurance cover for Opeyori.

Ogunbiyi, represented by Joseph Oladokun, Executive Director of technical operations, Mutual Benefits Assurance, said that the insurance would provide coverage for death, permanent disability, and medical expenses up to N5 million.

He stated that the journey of the insurance company from the edition of the championships in 2017 had been remarkable.

According to the chairman, the insurer is honored to provide the platform for young, talented Nigerians to showcase their skills, mentorship, grow, and set the stage for future champions.

“The courts have borne witness to exceptional serves, powerful smashes, agile footwork, and a display of passion and dedication from the players.

“We have witnessed remarkable victories, heart-wrenching defeats, and moments of sheer magic that will be etched in our memories forever,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said the commitment is an integral part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities as it strives to contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian Youth and the development of sports at different levels.

Ogunbiyi appreciated the leadership of BFN for their dedication to organizing the championships and to training and mentoring the young athletes.

A lawyer, Francis Orbih, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), commended Mutual Benefits for its steadfast support of badminton in Nigeria.

He commended the players for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering support for the sport, noting that they demonstrated the true spirit of badminton through sportsmanship, fair play, and a pursuit of excellence.

He said that the 4th Mutual Benefits National Badminton Championship marks a remarkable resurgence of the sport in Nigeria and a revival, long-awaited since the last championship in 2019.

“Mutual Benefit’s commitment to sports aligns with our vision of promoting badminton as a unifying force, fostering a culture of healthy competition, and inspiring future generations of athletes,” he said.

Responding, Opeyori expressed his gratitude to Mutual Benefits for sponsoring the tournament, especially considering the current economic challenges in the country.

He acknowledged the company’s support of badminton sports and its players.