By Uzor Odigbo
Bauchi State Director of Sports, Usman Yusuf has asserted that they have become the role model for other North East states in the region as per Sports development.
Yusuf stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Bauchi State Sports Festival 2024 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) in Bauchi
The Former Chairman of Nigeria Wrestling Referees Association commended the State Government for creating an enabling environment to thrive.
He said the Sports Festival is an avenue for the various Local Governments to expose athletes and expose them to standard facilities in the state capital.
Yusuf said, “Bauchi State is a big brother and role model for other States in the North East. Our darling state has been setting the pace for others to follow and I am sure in the coming days, other states will bring up the idea of organizing a state sports festival.
“I want to commend Governor Bala Mohammed for creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive as well as providing the funds for us to organise this festival. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Silas Ganawa has been doing a fantastic job since he was appointed.
“Under the Commissioner’s leadership, we have not missed any National and International Championships as well as refresher courses (for coaches and referees). Hon Ganawa has ensured the sporting associations in the state access funds before they embark on their journey.
“The State Government has played its role; this is the time for the Local Governments to use the avenue of the Sports Festival to develop their athletes. The Sports Council officers are on the ground to monitor and select outstanding athletes who will have a chance to represent the state at upcoming national championships.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Silas Ganawa revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed is ready to transform sports in the state.
Ganawa noted that the state government has kick-started the process of making an impact at the forthcoming National Youth Games in September.
He said, “Gone were the days when Bauchi State attended championships for the sake of participation, this time around we want to win laurels. Governor Bala Mohammed has given us the marching order to become leaders not only in the North East but the entire country. We are going to use the forthcoming National Sports Festival to showcase some of our potential and win medals”.
