In a bid to harness youth potential and foster peace amongst secondary school students in the subregion, the North-East Development Commission, in collaboration with the Gombe State government, has organised a sports competition featuring football, basketball, athletics, table tennis, and lawn tennis.
The event, held at the Pantami Township Stadium, was declared open by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya,who was represented by his Deputy, Manassah Jatau.
With the theme; “Unity, Peace, and Regional Integration,” the tournament aims to tap into the sporting talents of the youth while promoting peaceful co-existence and development within the northeast subregion.
Yahaya praised the NEDC for reviving the tradition of using sports to foster social cohesion among young people. He emphasised the importance of sustainability in such programmes and urged youth to seize this opportunity to enhance their skills and positively impact society.
“The joy and happiness derived from sports act as a vital medicine, crucial for the well-being and future endeavours of our youth,” he stated.
Highlighting the unifying power of sports, Jatau called on the relevant ministries—Youth and Sports, Special Duties, and Education—to continue supporting youth in accessing national and international sporting opportunities. He encouraged participants to embrace sportsmanship, acknowledging that competition inherently includes both winners and losers.
The Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Hon. Adamu Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the Commissioners of Education and Special Duties said the competition underscored the importance Gombe State and the North-East Development Commission attach to the development of the state and the subregion.
He applauded the Commission for providing the opportunity to the youths and called on the youths to take advantage of the competition towards building their potentials for greater future.
Mohammed Goni, Managing Director and CEO of NEDC, articulated the commission’s commitment to using sports as an empowerment tool for peace, security, health, education, and gender equality..
Represented by the Gombe State Coordinator, Rufa’i Lawan, Goni noted that the competition serves not only as a platform for showcasing talent but also as a means to build valuable partnerships for future development.
The event is anticipated to identify and nurture talented individuals in various sports, with Goni expressing gratitude to the Gombe State government for its support. As the tournament unfolds, it promises to be a catalyst for collaboration and community building in the region.
The tournament was kick-started officially by the Deputy Governor in company of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, and the Head of Civil Service, Alh Ahmed Abdullahi, among other distinguished guests.
At the opening match, the Government Mega Science Secondary School, Gombe take on students from Government College, Nafada.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, (Deputy Governor’s office).
