……Yahaya launches 2024 tournament, presents licences to registered clubs
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday launched the 2024 Nationwide League One Season and presented licences to 13 clubs participating in the tournament.
Our correspondent reports that the registration was placed at N300,000, totalling N3.9m for the 13 teams.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held at Jewel Hall of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe, the governor emphasised his commitment to youth development and employment creation through sports initiatives.
“Our aim is to empower young people, make them productive members of society and reduce unemployment,” he stated.
Represented by the Commissioner of Youths and Sport Development, Adamu Ibrahim, Yahaya highlighted Gombe State’s recent achievements across various sectors, including sports.
“Just last week, Gombe shone brightly at the Commonwealth Conference, a feat we achieved due to the exceptional leadership of His Excellency, Governor Inuwa Yahaya,” he remarked.
He further emphasised the leading role of Gombe in sports, becoming one of only two states with two clubs participating in the national premier league.
He attributed this success to good leadership and support to sporting activities in the state.
The Governor challenged the licensed clubs to reciprocate the government’s investment by delivering strong performances.
“We want you to become a breeding ground for talented players sought after by top clubs nationwide,” he declared.
“Our commitment extends beyond football. We are dedicated to promoting all sporting activities in the state to create employment opportunities and reduce youth restiveness.”
In his opening remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sport Development, Modi Shelpidi, lauded Yahaya’s dedication to sports development within the state.
“His Excellency’s passion for sports is evident in the concrete steps he has taken to support our local clubs. He has ensured that all 13 clubs participating in the league are registered, with each receiving 300,000 Naira in funding. This commitment extends beyond the clubs themselves, as the welfare of referees and coaches has also been addressed,” Shelpidi stated.
Shelpidi highlighted the positive impact of Governor Yahaya’s leadership, adding “Thanks to His Excellency’s efforts, we are proud to host zonal matches here at Pantami Stadium for the 2024 league.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Yakubu Philemon Sarma, represented by Comrade Ibrahim Gimba, commended Yahaya for his sponsorship and support for sports development in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Gombe State League One Forum, Hashimu Ibrahim, acknowledged that only two of the 13 participating clubs were initially able to register before the deadline.
However, upon learning of their challenges, Governor Inuwa promptly intervened by approving their registration, affiliation fees, and additional welfare support for the clubs.
In his goodwill message, the Head of Civil Service, Abdullahi Kasimu, echoed the governor’s emphasis on strong performance, saying “Gombe is a home of sport, and therefore we cannot afford not to perform. Go and win, make Gombe State proud! Make your talent shine for the recognition of the outside world. Be good ambassadors of the state.”
