GOVERNOR Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development as a strategic avenue for discovering talents, empowering young people, and promoting unity across the state.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Governor Namadi gave the assurance at the weekend during the grand finale of the Hadejia Local Government Inter-Ward Football Competition held at the Hadejia Township Stadium.
The tournament, which featured teams from all 11 wards of Hadejia Local Government Area, was sponsored by the Accountant General of Jigawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu.
In the final match, GRA Ward, Hadejia, defeated Sabon Garu Ward, Hadejia, to emerge champions and clinch the tournament trophy.
Governor Namadi described the event as an important landmark in the development of sports in Hadejia Local Government Area and Jigawa State as a whole, while commending the Accountant General for sponsoring an initiative that aligns with the vision of his administration.
“I want to assure you that everyone who participated in this competition, from the opening to the final, is a winner because this initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to developing the sports sector and helping the teeming youth realize their full potential through sports,” the governor said.
He recalled that one of the first directives of his administration was to mandate the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture to establish a structured grassroots sports development programme beginning at the ward level, progressing through the local government level, and culminating in statewide competitions.
According to the governor, the initiative has already begun yielding tangible results through the emergence of the Jigawa Junior Golden Stars, which is currently competing in the Nationwide League One (Division Two) with a squad made up entirely of indigenous players from Jigawa State.
Governor Namadi further disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture to ensure the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Hadejia Township Stadium within the next six months to provide improved sporting facilities for young athletes in the area.
Earlier in his remarks, the Accountant General of Jigawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, said the football competition was organised to reinforce unity among young people through sports while providing a platform for identifying and nurturing talented players at the grassroots.
He commended Governor Namadi’s administration for prioritising youth development and sports, describing the government’s grassroots sports policy as a catalyst for discovering future champions and promoting social cohesion across Jigawa State.
