Gov Bago promises sports facilities in council areas, doles out N40m to Governor’s Cup winners, NSFA
TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA.
After many years of no befitting sports stadium, the administration of Governor Mohammed Bago has promised to provide such facilities in each of the 25 local government areas of the state.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago made this disclosure at the finals of the 2024 edition of the state Governor’s Cup Football Competition, held in Lapai, on Thursday.
He noted that it was part of government efforts to engage the youths and curb youth restiveness in the state using sports and football in particular as a tool.
The Governor who wished that the next edition of the tournament be staged in zone C, also disclosed that for winning the competition, the stadium construction will start from Lapai local government.
He also announced a cash reward of N15 million to the winners of the Governor’s Cup, the Lapai local government team, while the Lavun and Suleja local government teams, who were first and second runners up, got N10 million and N5 million, respectively.
Niger State Football Association (NSFA), who are the organizers of the annual inter-local government football fiesta, also got N10 million and a bus from the Governor for a job well done.
The Chairman of NSFA, who is also the Chairman of Chairmen of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the finals, appreciated the state Governor’s presence at the event, saying it has added glamour to the event.
He observed that Lapai 2024 was a success they have never recorded in the history of the Governor’s Cup, adding that the caliber of people present at the occasion has added value to the Governor’s Cup.
The state FA Chairman also appreciated the Governor for believing in the FA and also gave them all that they needed to organize the tournament which was judiciously utilized.
While appreciating the Governor for the cash gift to all the winners, including the state FA, he also disclosed that the success recorded will not be far from the harmonious working relationship they enjoined from the local organizing committee, as well as the support from the Ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs.
“This is the best LOC I have met as far as the Governor’s Cup is concerned since I came on board as the state FA Chairman about 20 years ago.
“They have done extremely well, and wherever we are going next, we will work with some of them because they have shown that they want to be members of the football family,” said Yusuf Fresh.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai, attributed the tournament’s success to the leadership style of the state FA Chairman and his board members, as well as the blessings of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago Tafida.
He also appreciated the honor done to them for granting them the hosting right, and the support of the state government towards the entire process has ended with joy and laughter. He also appreciated the people of Lapai for being a good host
Lapai local government football team emerged as the champions of the 2024 edition of the Niger State Governor’s Cup Football Competition after defeating the Lavun local government team by 3-0 at the finals of the tournament played at pitch 2 of Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School, Lapai.
The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, his Chief of staff, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, deputy chief of staff, Sadiq Yusuf, as well as other members of the state executive council.
Trophies, medals, and other prizes were presented to the winners, players, and team officials who distinguished themselves during the tournament.
Some notable individuals who contributed to the success and glamour of the tournament were also recognized, including the Governor and speaker of the state assembly, among others.
