Gombe Deputy Gov seeks collaboration with NFF over sports development
…as state League One Final kicks off tomorrow at Pantami Stadium
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, has sought for collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation over sports development in the state and the nation.
The Deputy Governor gave the indication when the Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Austin Eguavon and other top notches of Football Federation paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Friday.
The Deputy Governor commended the efforts of the Football Federation and other sports organisations towards harnessing sporting potentials that abound in the state and the country.
He said the football activities taking place now in Gombe are very timely and apt considering that the state is endowed with rich potentials in not only sports both in all human and natural resources which needed to be tapped for the development of mankind.
Jatau said, “Gombe State is desirous of development, not only mere economic growth but development that would encompass all the socio-economic aspect of the Society, sports inclusive.Your visit to the state is apt and timely as it will provide the opportunity for learning and relearning in matters concerning football. The train-the – trainer program has the advantage of affording those in the remote areas to have access to learning which under normal circumstances would not have been possible.
“Your efforts of harnessing the sporting potentials would also assist in positively engaging our youths who, have been out major concern. I advice you to chose the best talents devoid of any tribal,or religious sentiments. This has always been the bane of organizations when merit is sacrificed on the altar of sentiments.
“We are ready to support you to succeed, just as we are always ready to learn. We accommodate advices and even constructive criticisms that help us sit up and perform better.”
Speaking earlier, the Leader of delegation Coach Austine Eguavon, who is also the Technical Director Nigeria Football Federation said they were in Gombe to perform the kickup of the State League One and to conduct a capacity building workshop for local and amateur Coaches in the state.
He said during their stay they will also hunt for talents who will be performing at Confederation of African Football (CAF) and International Association of Football Federation (FIFA) levels.
“Football brought us to limelight and if we don’t contribute to its development will be doing a disservice to the nation. CAF and FIFA wants to bring football to the doorpost of every member nations, which Nigeria is one.
” We have come to look for talents, and Gombe State have shown enthusiasm to showcase their talents. We appreciate the support of Gombe Government being a major stakeholder. Thank you for your support,” he said.
He called on other non-Governmental organisations to contribute in developing the youths who are turning up in their numbers to be trained in sports, pointing out that even though times are a little tough in Nigeria now but, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, and the Acting Head of Civil Service, Gombe State Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Kasimu, were among othe top Government functionaries who witnessed the event.
