From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the Fives Federation of Nigeria (FFN), has intensified efforts to advance the game of fives across the country.
Alhaji Abubakar A. Dangaladima Gwandu, National President of the Fives Federation of Nigeria, made this statement while declaring open the inaugural edition of the Inter-State Fives National Unity Championship 2024 in Sokoto.
Teams from five states – Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina – are participating in the championship, which runs from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the Kangiwa Fives Court in Sokoto.
Gwandu highlighted that the game was originally introduced by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, as a means of promoting unity and friendship.
The sport traces its origins to Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, where it was first introduced in 1928 by an educationist named Mr. Hobbert during the colonial era. It later spread to Sokoto and other northern regions such as Katsina and Kaduna, thanks to the efforts of the late Sardauna of Sokoto.
Gwandu noted that while some people refer to the game as the “Sardauna Game” or the “Arewa Game,” he disagreed with these labels. He explained that the game was introduced by a non-Muslim, non-Nigerian educator and is now played in various states, including Abuja and Lagos.
Engr. Mustapha Muhammad, the State Commissioner for Sports, promised to collaborate with the state chapter to promote the game. He acknowledged Sokoto State’s significant role in the development of fives and praised the state’s pioneering efforts in embracing the sport.
Alhaji Mai’akwai Mu’azu Lamido, Chairman of the Sokoto State Fives Game Association, expressed his concerns about the national organizing committee’s preparation process but affirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of the tournament.
The event aims to revive the game in Sokoto State and foster unity among the youth. With the continued support of the state government, the fives game is expected to gain increasing popularity across the country.
