…As NSF begins Saturday
By Ado Salisu
The Acting chairman of Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge, popularly known as FIFA, is expected to lead over 200 state contingent to Abeokuta, Ogun State by road.
The upcoming 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged:’Gateway Games,’ was scheduled to commence from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Speaking exclusively with our reporter, Alhaji FIFA said: ”By the virtue of my position in the commission, I suppose to travel by plane but I want to remain with athletes, coaches and officials to test experience of traveling by road together.”
”My governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, gave me the responsibility to head the state commission, and traveling by plane is not an ideal situation, leaving over 200 contingents going by road to Abeokuta what is your justification for that,” he explained.
The acting chairman then called on the people of the state to continue to pray for their journey mercy and successful outing in Abeokuta, adding that all necessary arrangements are in pipeline towards the success in the festival.
He explained that the total contingent include 173 athletes, 97 coaches , journalists and organizing secretaries as well as 15 government officials.
He added that the athletes are expected to compete in the 17 events which include individual and team events such as judo, boxing, cycling, karate, kungfu, swimming, taekwondo, kick boxing, dambe, kokawa, para power lifting, golf, shooting, handball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, chess among others.
The Acting chairman however charged the athletes, coaches and officials to be discipline, sportsmanship and good ambassadors to the state.
While commending Governor Yusuf for his unflinching support morally and financially, he pledged that the commission will continue to do their best towards the overall development of various sporting events in the state and the country at large.
He expressed gratitude to the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Alhaji Sani Danja and other stakeholders for their contributions and support, reiterated the commission’s commitment and determination in order to restore the glory of various sporting events in the state.
