Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, has called for a more mutually beneficial relationship between the Nasarawa State Football Association and the State Government to achieve the sole objective of developing the game and its stakeholders.
Jafaru disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Public Relations Office of his Ministry immediately after the 2024 Nasarawa State Federation's Cup opener on Wednesday between AYD FC of Doma and Keffi Warriors FC at the Lafia City Stadium.
According to the Commissioner, "Football is a global sport and a huge unifier, irrespective of social distinction or demographic differences.
"Aside the physical, psychological and emotional benefits, sport also plays an important role in healthy social development and interaction.
"Additionally, sport helps individuals learn to set and achieve goals through discipline and hard work.
"In recent times, sport has become a multi-billion dollar endeavour that has helped to transform the lives of downtrodden key stakeholders into prosperity.
"As a Government, we are always willing to partner with any individual, group or organisation that will prioritize the advancement of the sector because sport is a huge employer of labour.
"We have been following the activities of the Nasarawa State Football Association under the leadership of Salisu Galadima, and I must say we are truly impressed by how he has started his administration.
"From the organisation of the FA Cup and the first match of the competition, everything is well-coordinated.
"I like the innovation and changes he is bringing on board. This is giving our State a good image, especially in the actualization of the desire of my Principal, Governor Abdullahi Sule, to make Nasarawa State the destination for sports in Nigeria.
"I hope this beautiful relationship that has begun between the leadership of the State FA and the State Government will continue to flourish so that we can collectively achieve our common goals for our teeming and talented youth because the task of raising a successful athlete and building a successful sport world goes beyond just an individual or group."
The Commissioner added that the Sule administration would continue to provide the right environment for the peace and development of the State in all spheres.
The 2024 Nasarawa State Federation's Cup match between AYD FC of Doma versus Keffi Warriors FC ended 3-2 in favour of the Doma-based outfit.
*Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS)*,
PRO,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
20/03/2024
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