By Moses Okorie
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development as a strategic tool for discovering young talents, empowering youths and fostering unity across the state.
The governor pledged on Saturday during the grand finale of the Hadejia Local Government Inter-Ward Football Competition held at the Hadejia Township Stadium.
The tournament, which featured teams from the 11 wards of Hadejia Local Government Area, was sponsored by the Accountant General of Jigawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu.
GRA Ward emerged champions after defeating Sabon Garu Ward in the final match to lift the trophy.
Addressing participants and spectators, Gov. Namadi described the competition as a milestone in the state’s drive to reposition grassroots sports, applauding the sponsor for supporting an initiative that aligns with his administration’s vision for youth development.
“I want to assure everyone who participated in this competition—from the opening match to the final—that they are all winners because this initiative reflects our government’s commitment to developing the sports sector and helping our teeming youths realise their full potential through sports,” the governor said.
He recalled that one of the earliest decisions of his administration was to direct the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture to establish a structured grassroots sports development programme beginning at the ward level, advancing through local government competitions and culminating in state championships.
According to him, the policy has already begun yielding results with the emergence of the Jigawa Junior Golden Stars, a team currently competing in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (Division Two).
The governor noted with pride that the squad is made up entirely of indigenous players discovered and nurtured within Jigawa State.
“This is exactly the objective we set out to achieve, and by the grace of Allah, we have accomplished it. We will continue to replicate this model across other sporting disciplines to strengthen sports development and create opportunities for our young people through grassroots talent discovery,” he said.
As part of efforts to improve sporting infrastructure, Namadi announced that he had directed the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture to ensure the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Hadejia Township Stadium within the next six months.
He said the project would provide a modern sporting facility capable of supporting youth development and future competitions in the area.
The governor also commended the Accountant General, the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, participating teams, match officials and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful organisation of the tournament.
Earlier, the Accountant General of Jigawa State and sponsor of the competition, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, said the tournament was designed to strengthen unity among young people while providing a platform for identifying and nurturing football talents at the grassroots.