Writing By Khadijah Aliyu, Editing By Godwin Duru
The Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Ibrahim Umar Fagge is set to lead over two hundred members of the state’s contingent to Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games.
The event is scheduled to take place from May 16th to 30th, 2025.
Fagge expressed his commitment to solidarity with the athletes.
“By virtue of my position in the commission, I’m supposed to travel by plane, but I want to remain with the athletes, coaches, and officials to experience the journey by road together.”
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, entrusted me with the leadership of the commission. Traveling by plane while over 200 contingents go by road would not be ideal. What justification would I have for that?”
Fagge urged the people of Kano State to continue praying for safety and successful outing in Abeokuta.
He assured that all necessary preparations are in place to ensure the state’s success at the festival.
According to him, the Kano contingent includes one hundred and seventy three athletes, ninety seven coaches, journalists, organizing secretaries, and fifteen government officials.
The athletes will participate in seventeen sporting events, encompassing both individual and team categories.
These include judo, boxing, cycling, karate, kungfu, swimming, taekwondo, kickboxing, dambe, kokawa, para powerlifting, golf, shooting, handball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, and chess, among others.
The acting chairman also charged the athletes, coaches, and officials to exhibit discipline, uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, and represent the state with dignity.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering moral and financial support, and pledged that the commission would continue working diligently for the advancement of sports in Kano and Nigeria at large.
Fagge also expressed appreciation to the state’s 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 invaluable contributions.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to restoring the glory of sports in the state.
Khadijah Aliyu
