Gombe Govt to prioritise sports development as the World marks Olympic Day
Joshua Danmalam
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reiterated government’s commitment to sports development as part of effort to meaningfully engage youth and prosper unity among the diverse people of the state.
Yahaya made this commitment through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, while addressing the state Olympic Movement at the Government House.
He also lauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for mobilising young persons to partake in the International Olympic Day celebration.
Yahaya said, “Sports remains the greatest Unifier of people of all nations devoid of tribe, religion, age, sex or creed. This administration will continue to accord it the priority it deserves.”
The Governor further used the occasion to challenge all stakeholders in Sports development to work closely with government towards maximising the benefits of sporting facilities, “abound in the state to produce national and International champions,” Yahaya added.
Governor Yahaya reminded the Olympians that Sports worldwide is not mere exercise but business, adding that “It has made alot of people millionaires, so always strive for excellence in sporting field you chose to enable you win laurels for the state and country.”
Presenting the Olympic message to the Governor, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Developmement, Mohammed Bajoga, said Olympic Day is marked globally on June 24 annually to reflect on the very essence of Olympics which is to unify the world through Sports.
Bajoga therefore appreciated the Governor for the timely approval of funds which made the celebration a huge success.
Enumerating some of the benefits of sporting activities and events, Bajoga said, “doing sports keeps the mind and body strong and healthy, inspires the best out of participants, and above all brings people together in unity.”
The brief but historic event had in attendance the State Head of Civil Service Ahmed Abdullahi, State Football Association Chairman Yakubu Sarma, Director of Sports Zainab Adamu, as well as Director Special Duties in the office of the SSG Bala Sarki among other top government functionaries.
The theme for 2023 commemoration is ‘let’s move’.
