The Gombe State Government on Thursday donated a 32-seater Costa bus to Gombe United Football Club as part of efforts to enhance the team’s performance and support its quest to regain its premier league status.
The vehicle was presented to the club’s management and players during an elaborate ceremony held at the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Presenting the bus, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, said the gesture underscores the commitment of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya’s administration to revitalising sports and encouraging excellence among athletes in the state.
He explained that the donation was aimed at boosting the morale of the players, “improving your logistics as you compete in the Nigeria National League, with the expectation that the team would move from relegation to the premier position,” Jatau added.
Jatau urged the officials and players of Gombe United to reciprocate the government’s gesture “by improving their performance and making the government and people of Gombe State proud,” he added.
Taking the players down memory lane, the Deputy Governor recalled his time as a major sponsor of the club, adding “I withdrew my support due to unacceptable attitudes displayed by some players, including attempts to manipulate match outcomes during home games, which he said contradicted the spirit of sportsmanship.”
He encouraged the players to embrace discipline, teamwork, and professionalism, stressing that true victory comes through hard work, fair play, and adherence to the rules of the game.
Dr. Jatau further assured the team of the government’s continuous support, noting that sports remain a critical tool for youth development, job creation, and promoting unity within the state.
He advised the players to properly maintain the vehicle, describing it as a public asset that must be safeguarded for long-term use, adding “the management of the club to ensure transparency and accountability in handling government support.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Muhammad Magaji, said the donation of the vehicle was a demonstration of the government’s readiness to invest in sports development as part of its broader agenda for youth empowerment.
He called on the players and officials of the club to justify the confidence reposed in them by remaining focused and committed to achieving success. The Commissioner emphasised the need for prudent management of government resources, urging the club’s management to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the vehicle. He also encouraged the players to remain disciplined and dedicated, noting that improved performance would attract greater opportunities and investments in sports within the state.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Adamu Pantami, commended governor for providing the 32-seater Costa bus, describing the gesture as a significant boost to the team’s morale and operational efficiency.
He assured that the ministry would continue to provide technical and administrative support to ensure the success of Gombe United in upcoming competitions. The Commissioner urged the players to see the gesture as a challenge to raise their standards, maintain unity, and display professionalism both on and off the field. He further stressed the importance of dedication, regular training, and respect for coaching instructions as key ingredients for success in competitive football.
In his response, the General Manager of Gombe United Football Club, Annas Bamusa, expressed appreciation to the state government for the donation, describing it as historic.
“We are making history today because there is no government that has ever donated two vehicles within a short period of time as was done by this administration,” he said.
Bamusa noted that the team had previously played in the premier league before being relegated, but assured the government and people of the state that with the renewed support, the team would bounce back to its premier position.
He promised that the players and officials would reciprocate the government’s gesture by working harder and delivering improved results.
The General Manager also disclosed that the team is scheduled to depart Gombe for Katsina State where it will face Bichi FC of Kano State in an ongoing Nigeria National League fixture.
