Nasir Idris: Kebbi State Governor reaffirms commitment to sports development

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sports development within the state.

In addition, the Governor has contributed a Coaster Bus to facilitate transportation for local clubs and has pledged enhancements to both Bulasa and Haliru Abdu Stadia.

Idris made these announcements during the final match of the Governor’s Cup soccer competition, which involved participants from all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

The championship match took place this Saturday at the FIFA model Stadium in Bulasa, near Birnin Kebbi, where Yauri Local Government emerged victorious over Argungu Local Government with a score of 2-1, securing the trophy along with a cash prize of N1 million.

Argungu Local Government, as the runners-up, received a silver medal and a cash reward of N750,000, while Jega claimed third place by defeating Zuru Local Government, earning a bronze medal and N500,000.

“Football and other sports serve as significant instruments for promoting unity, social cohesion, and community spirit,” the governor remarked while presenting the Governor’s Cup, Kauran Gwandu 2025 Trophy, to the captain of the winning Yauri team, who subsequently passed it to the Local Government Chairman.

Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ladan, Chairman of the Kebbi State NFA, praised the governor for revitalizing the competition after a 20-year absence, emphasizing the importance of his moral and financial backing.

Ladan proposed increasing the seating capacity of Bulasa Stadium from 250 to between 1,000 and 2,000 and requested the provision of electricity to operate a borehole that has already been installed at the site.

He also announced that 100 young players had been selected from various local governments during the competition for further training, with plans to recruit coaches from both Kebbi and across Nigeria to develop their skills, encouraging them to aspire to the success of Zeidu Sanusi, a footballer from Jega currently playing in Portugal.

Additionally, Ladan disclosed that Zamfara United has opted to use Bulasa Stadium for its league matches due to recent improvements, with a game scheduled against Plateau United this Sunday in Birnin Kebbi.