By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Kontagora Local Government football team has emerged victorious in the inaugural Kontagora Emirate i...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Kontagora Local Government football team has emerged victorious in the inaugural Kontagora Emirate inter-local government football competition, tagged “Mai Sudan Cup.” The event was organized by Zone C Football Association and sponsored by the Niger State NLC Chairman, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene.
In the final match held on Sunday at Adamu Bokani Stadium, Kontagora LG defeated Mariga LG 2-0 to claim the title.
The Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammad Barau II, in whose honor the tournament was held, attended the closing ceremony alongside his council members.
Speaking to sports journalists after the final, the Emir highlighted football as a unifying force for youth and encouraged them to view the sport not only as a leisure activity but also as a potential means of livelihood. He emphasized the importance of using football to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Emir also expressed his gratitude to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his developmental strides in the state and prayed for his continued strength and wisdom. He commended Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene, who holds the traditional title of Dan Adalin Kontagora, for sponsoring the competition and called on other well-to-do individuals to engage youth through similar initiatives.
Additionally, the Emir lauded the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), led by Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, along with the Zone C Football Association and the Kontagora LG Football Council, for ensuring the tournament was successful and incident-free.
The NLC Chairman, Comrade Lafene, shared how football shaped his life, stating it secured his appointment as a civil servant in Kontagora LG. He attributed his success to football and expressed his commitment to giving back to society by sponsoring tournaments across the state.
“As a titleholder in the Kontagora Emirate, contributing to peace and unity is my duty. I will continue to prioritize youth development through football and other initiatives,” Lafene said.
Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Chairman of the Niger State Football Association, appreciated the Emir for his unwavering support, adding that the Emir’s presence at the finals enhanced the ceremony’s prestige.
Before the final match, Comrade Lafene and his delegation paid homage to the Emir at his residence to thank him for his support, his approval of the tournament, and the conferment of the title Dan Adalin Kontagora.
The competition saw participation from six local governments under the Kontagora Emirate. The closing ceremony was graced by football stakeholders and representatives of the state labor movement, including the Chairpersons of TUC, NUT, and the Medical and Health Workers Union, among others.
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