By: Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday welcomed Sokoto State’s victorious sports contingents after their outstanding performances at various national competitions, praising the athletes for bringing honour to the state.

At a reception organised in their honour, the governor lauded the players’ discipline, determination, and resilience, qualities he said were evident in the medals and trophies they brought back.

He assured them that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for sports excellence, promising greater support as they prepare for future national engagements.

“You have made us proud, and the state is happy with your performance. Please keep the flag flying,” he told the jubilant contingents.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, Governor Aliyu also announced a major logistics boost for Sokoto United: the donation of a 36-seater bus to ease the team’s long-standing mobility challenges.

“As you are aware, sports have now become a major employer of labour globally. Therefore, my administration will continue to encourage sporting activities in the state,” he affirmed.

He further appealed to wealthy individuals and key stakeholders to invest in grassroots sports development, noting that Sokoto has the talent but needs greater private-sector backing to discover and groom more young athletes.

The governor also commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports, alongside the management of Sokoto United, Rima Strikers and Rima Queens, for equipping athletes with the skills and discipline required to excel, urging them not to relent.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustafa Muhammad Kofar Marke, highlighted the impressive results recorded across recent competitions. He announced that Rima Strikers finished first at the U-12 to U-15 Handball Championship in Asaba, Delta State, with Rima Queens securing second place.

He added that at the Ardova Premier Games in Lagos, Rima Strikers came second, while Rima Queens finished third.

At the 2025 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Rima Handball Queens won silver, the men’s wrestling team also clinched silver, and the state earned a bronze medal in shooting. He noted that the Sokoto wrestling team also claimed a silver medal at the National Youth Games in Asaba.

The commissioner appealed to Governor Aliyu to consider reviewing players’ allowances, providing additional sports kits and equipment, renovating Giginya Stadium, and supplying more vehicles to ease the movement of athletes and coaches during national events.

A colourful highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of trophies and medals to Governor Aliyu, who later officially handed over the new 36-seater bus to Sokoto United Football Club.