By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has described sports as a growing tool for national unity, youth engagement and economic development, saying the sector is gradually evolving into a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
The state Deputy Governor, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of the North-West Veterans All-Star Renewed Hope Tournament held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, Garo said the tournament brought together former players, sports stakeholders and supporters from across the North-West in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.
He described the competition as a platform reconnecting veteran athletes with younger generations while preserving sporting heritage and promoting discipline among youths.
“The event has brought together former players, stakeholders and supporters in an atmosphere defined by unity, discipline and mutual respect,” Garo said.
He commended the organisers for sustaining the initiative, noting that sports remained one of the strongest platforms for peaceful coexistence and positive youth engagement.
According to him, the Kano State Government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the National Sports Commission and other relevant stakeholders to expand opportunities for youths through sports development.
“Kano State is ready to deepen collaboration with the National Sports Commission and relevant stakeholders in expanding sports development and unlocking wider opportunities for young people across the region,” he added.
Earlier during a courtesy visit to the deputy governor’s office, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the commission was repositioning sports as a structured national asset capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening internal security through youth engagement.
He explained that reforms in the sports sector were aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and placing professionals at the centre of sports administration.
“Sports is now being driven as both an economic and developmental instrument,” Dikko stated.
He disclosed that Nigerian athletes won over 373 international medals within two quarters of 2025, while the sector generated about 140,000 jobs in the third quarter alone.
According to him, the figure later increased to over 240,000 jobs in the last quarter, alongside more than $50bn in private sector investments within the sports ecosystem.
Dikko also urged states in the North-West to strengthen grassroots sports development and improve participation in national competitions.
He lamented that many talented athletes from the region were now representing other states due to weak local support systems.
“Sports remains one of the strongest platforms for social harmony, youth engagement and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of sporting items, including a tracksuit and football jersey, to the deputy governor in recognition of Kano State’s support for sports development.
Garo also presented gifts to members of the delegation in what organisers described as a symbolic exchange aimed at strengthening collaboration between federal and state institutions in sports development.
The tournament attracted participants and stakeholders from across the North-West region as part of ongoing efforts to reposition sports as a tool for national development and economic growth.
