By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger State Commissioner Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka, has solicited for the support of Sports Associations in the growth and development of sports.
The Commissioner made the call during a meeting with Chairmen and Secretaries of various sports associations which took place at the Abdulsalami Abubakar youths centre, Minna.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nuhu Garba Ngaski, the Commissioner said the government has provided training facilities at the Ahmadu Bahago Sports complex along Bosso road, but worried about the proper handling and management of the facilities.
The multi-million sports facilities which according to the Commissioner is at 90 percent completion is to provide the enabling environment for the leadership of the diffrent sporting associations to train athletes that will compete favorably with their counterparts from other states at national and international levels.
Since assuming office, Governor Bago has shown great commitments towards building modern sports infrastructure that will place Niger state on top of national sporting map hence the determination to complete the Ahmadu Bahago Sports Complex along Bosso road.
The meeting with the various sporting association is aimed at addressing key issues affecting sports development ahead of the Nation Sports Festival in Ogun state, adding that the ministry is committed to seeing significant improvements in the sector, and the general performances of players.
“Our vision as a ministry is to create an environment that not only supports athletes but also empowers them to excel at local, national, and international levels. I urge the people of Niger state, sports associations in particular to collaborate with the ministry in moving sports forward”.
While appreciating roles so far played by associations in sports development the Commissioner said, “We can achieve more by upgrading and maintaining our sports facilities, which are essential for proper training and competitions".
In their contributions, some of the association chairmen lamented lack of access to the sporting facilities whenever they wanted to train and called on the ministry to ensure that the complex is open for trainers when in need. NNL.
