The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, on Wednesday, presented two 32 Coaster buses to the state-owned Football Clubs, Nasarawa United(male team) and Nasarawa Amazons(female team.
Handing over keys of the vehicles to the Chairman of Nasarawa United, Dr Othman Ahmed Ibrahim, and Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons FC, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo, at an official presentation ceremony of vehicles to the Football Clubs, Local Government Areas, Nigerian Army, and second class monarchs at the Government House, Lafia, the governor said the gesture was to aid the operational activities of both Clubs and spur them to victory in their various leagues.
He said, “While other individuals are doing their best in advancing the cause of the State, our sports people are also working hard. We cannot forget them in a situation like this.
“That’s why we are presenting them with these buses.
“Even though our male team are playing in the second division of the Nigerian Football League, we believe, very strongly, with some encouragements, they will return to the Premier League as quickly as possible.
“It may interest you to note that the Goalkeeper Trainer of Nasarawa United, Olatunji Baruwa, is also the Goalkeeper Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria who won Silver Medal at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast, and that was why we also honoured him recently for the feat.
“The Amazons are doing so well that today, six of their players are currently with the Falconets at the ongoing All Africa Games holding in Accra, Ghana.
“The Amazons are on top of their Group in the 2023/24 Nigeria Women’s Football League and look primed to win the league.
“So, in order to encourage our teams’ performance in the leagues, especially in their mobility logistics, we have to give them this support.”
Responding on behalf of the Clubs, Chairman, Nasarawa United FC, Dr Ibrahim, appreciated the governor for the great gesture with a promise to put the vehicles into judicious utilisation.
“We are full of happiness and appreciation for what the Governor has done for us today.
“We cried to him and he has wiped off our tears
“This kind act of the Governor has eased our mobility challenge as it will reduce the hours we spend on the road to our away destinations during league engagements.
“This is another challenge to us. We will take advantage of these gifts to be able to fulfill the Governor’s dreams and mandate for the teams.
“Let’s do the best we can to return Nasarawa United to the elite league and support the Amazons FC to win the NWFL title this season.
“Finally, we wish to assure the Governor that the vehicles will be put into proper use and for the purpose they are being presented to us,” he said.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, joined other top Government functionaries, Party Chieftains, Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Head of Army’s Operation Whirlstroke and Traditional Rulers to witness the event.
Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS),
Media Officer, Nasarawa United FC.
