By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
In a bid to develop the mental and physical abilities of youths, promote longevity, good health, economic benefits, social cohesion, and unity, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has revived all dormant sports tournaments in the state. The governor made this announcement at the final match of the Governor's Cup soccer competition, which featured all 21 local government areas of the state.
The final match, held at the FIFA model Stadium, Bulasa, near Birnin Kebbi, saw Yauri LG emerge victorious, defeating Argungu LG 2-1 to claim the trophy and a N1 million cash reward. Argungu LG took home the silver medal and a N750,000 cash reward, while Jega LG secured third position with a bronze medal and a N500,000 cash reward.
Governor Nasir Idris, the special guest at the event, assured that his administration would continue to support the development of the sports sector and encourage sporting activities. "I have heard that the just concluded football competition among local government areas has not been held for a very long time until the advent of my administration," he said. "This is to assure our teeming sports lovers and admirers that the tournament will be staged annually and progressively while other sporting activities will also receive proper attention."
The governor also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting unity, social cohesion, and togetherness. "Football and other games are potent outlets of strengthening unity, social cohesion, and togetherness," he remarked. He announced plans to provide electricity through solar power and a motorized borehole at the stadium, as well as donate a coaster bus for transportation purposes. The government, he said, would also improve facilities at both Bulasa and Haliru Abdu Stadia.
The Kebbi State NFA Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ladan, commended Governor Nasir Idris for reviving the competition, which had not been held in 20 years. He requested that the governor expand the seating capacity of the Bulasa Stadium from 250 to between 1,000 and 2,000 people and provide electricity supply to the stadium.
Alhaji AC Ladan also informed the governor that 100 young soccer players had been selected from various local government areas to improve their talents and skills, with coaches from within Kebbi and Nigeria engaged to develop their playing abilities. Zamfara United, he announced, had chosen the Bulasa Stadium for their league matches.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Football Federation, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, Speaker of the Kebbi House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida. The governor's wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, received a merit award for her support and assistance to sports development through her foundation, NASARA Foundation.
Tags
Sports/ Competition