Ilorin-based business mogul, Engr. Jani Ibrahim has called on the Kwara State government to upgrade the Ilorin Baseball and Softball Park to an international standard, positioning it as a reference point in Africa.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden Honours Independent Baseball National League held at the Park, Engr. Ibrahim commended the government’s ongoing upgrading of sports infrastructure at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium, describing the initiative as commendable and forward-thinking.

He praised the hosting of the league in Ilorin, noting that it reaffirmed the state’s passion and commitment to the development of baseball and softball.

Engr. Ibrahim lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for grassroots sports, stating that the talents discovered during the week-long event must now be nurtured and developed for national and international prominence.

While commending the sponsor, Anaekwe Gideon Godwin of Honours Intercontinental Concepts Limited for his investment and faith in the game, he urged corporate organizations, philanthropists, and stakeholders to contribute to the development of baseball and softball, as the government alone cannot bear the financial burden.

Bayelsa State emerged champions of the tournament, defeating host Kwara State by 10 runs to 9 in a tightly contested final today, after six days of hostilities.

Bayelsa secured 21 points from 8 games to top the table, while Kwara finished second with 18 points. Delta State came third with 15 points, followed by Oyo and Ondo, who ended the tournament with 3 points each.

The second phase of the Honours Independent National League is scheduled to hold in September, where the overall winner will be determined.