By Ado Salisu
Sports stakeholders in Kano State have cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf against sponsoring tournaments organised under the banner of the Renewed Hope campaign, urging him to prioritise preparations for the state’s contingent to the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu.
The stakeholders expressed concern that some individuals and groups were using the names of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Yusuf to promote tournaments, allegedly in pursuit of personal interests rather than genuine sports development.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Ibrahim Ahmad said the state government had yet to release funds for the preparation of more than 200 athletes, coaches and officials expected to represent Kano at the 23rd National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 26 to December 11, 2026.
He alleged that, while the state’s contingent was awaiting financial support, some individuals were making efforts to secure millions of naira from the government for other sporting events.
Ahmad cited the recent failure of a 22-member Kano Pillars handball team to participate in the National Premier Handball League in Lagos, describing the development as embarrassing to the state.
He appealed to the state government to engage genuine sports administrators with the passion and commitment to contribute to the development of various sporting activities.
“Requesting millions of naira for just an unapproved tournament in the name of the Tinubu Renewed Hope tournament while state athletes, coaches and officials are suffering, especially whenever there are national competitions, does not make sense,” he said.
He added that some individuals were allegedly taking advantage of the political season to seek funds from state governments for championships, while established national competitions were not receiving adequate support.
“Can you believe that, less than two weeks to the National Sports Festival, the Kano State Government is yet to release a dime to the State Sports Commission in preparation for the fiesta?” he asked.
The 23rd National Sports Festival is expected to bring together contingents from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the games open on November 28, 2026.