Cov/Idris Dari, Kaduna
Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-rufai of Kaduna has on Tuesday received the state’s medalists who represented and won medals at the recent concluded National Sports Festival NSF in Benin- City Edo State.
Malam Nasiru El rufai stated this while Congratulating and appreciating the Medalists for winning medals for the state at a grand reception held at the Government House.
The Governor who had wished that Kaduna came among the first three but was quite satisfied and happy with the achievement with honesty.
” I know we did not promise you money before you went for the competition but am directing the Hon. Commissioner of Sports to come up with a cash reward proposal for all the medalists and all the Athletes who participated at the event”
“In addition, am directing the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary of Sports Development to arranged for the medalists to fill forms to be allocated a piece of land in any part of Kaduna State at a free cost and urged all beneficiary not to sell the land” Malam Nasiru El rufai added.
According to him, his administration is ready to support Athletes to develop their career and will encourage companies in the state to endorse some of the Athletes as part of way of encouraging them.
“Sports is very important not only to us in kaduna state but to the country at large.
“Sports is perhaps the only thing that unified Nigerian in respective of where we come.
“Sports is a unifier but not only sports unified people it is also a business that can generate funds for the state and the Athletes.
“I congratulate and thank all the medalists for making the state proud at the festival” he said.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner of Sports Development Professor Kabir Mato who led the Delegation to Government House disclosed that the state’s Contingents won a total number of 28 medals which includes 4 gold, 5 silver and 19 bronze medals.
He commended the Governor for supporting the Ministry of Sports Development to be able to compete favorably with other state at the various sporting events.
While assuring his Excellency of a better outing in subsequent events, the commissioner said the Ministry would continue to be uncomfortable until the desired results is being achieved.