By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitmen...
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development as a strategic avenue for discovering talent, empowering young people and promoting unity across the state.
The governor made the commitment on Saturday at 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.
GRA Ward emerged champions after defeating Sabon Garu Ward in the final to clinch the title.
Governor Namadi described the event as a major milestone in sports development in Hadejia Local Government Area, commending the Accountant General for sponsoring an initiative that aligns with his administration's vision for youth and sports development.
"I want to assure you that everyone who participated in this competition, from the opening match to the final, is a winner because this initiative is in line with our government's commitment to developing the sports sector and helping our teeming youth realise their full potential through sports," he said.
The governor 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 him, the initiative has already yielded positive results with the emergence of the Jigawa Junior Golden Stars, noting that the team now competes in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (Division Two) with a squad made up entirely of indigenous players from Jigawa State.
"This initiative is exactly what we set out to achieve, and by the grace of Allah, we have accomplished it. We will continue to replicate this model across all sporting disciplines to strengthen sports development and empower our young people by nurturing talent from the grassroots," he added.
Governor Namadi also announced 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.
He expressed appreciation to the sponsor of the competition, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, participating teams, match officials and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful organisation of the tournament.
Earlier, the Accountant General of Jigawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, said the football competition was organised to promote unity among young people through sports while providing a platform for identifying and nurturing talented players at the grassroots.
He commended the Namadi administration for prioritising youth and sports development, describing the state's grassroots sports policy as a catalyst for discovering future champions and strengthening social cohesion across Jigawa State.
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