* Assures Federation of Continued Support, Says Football Can Promote Youth Development and Peace
* NFF President Commends Radda for Supporting Katsina United, Grassroots Football
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing football and other sporting activities, describing sports as a platform for discovering talents, empowering young people and promoting peace and unity.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said Governor Radda stated this on Thursday when he received NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and other federation officials at the Council Chamber, Muhammadu Buhari House, Government House, Katsina.
The Governor said his administration had continued to prioritise sports development, particularly football, as a means of creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their talents.
He noted that Katsina had many talented youths capable of succeeding at national and international levels, with some already securing opportunities to play outside the country.
“We have many talented young people in Katsina who have the potential to succeed at national and international levels. Some of our young footballers have already secured opportunities to play outside the country,” he said.
Governor Radda said the government would continue to create an enabling environment for young people to develop their sporting talents, noting that football could also help keep youths away from negative influences.
He added that sporting activities could promote peace and security by bringing young people from different backgrounds together and providing a positive channel for their energy.
The Governor appreciated the NFF leadership for its support to Katsina United Football Club, recalling the administration’s efforts to strengthen the club and support its progress.
“We did not take the issue of football lightly. We worked together to ensure that Katsina United received the necessary support, and I am pleased with the progress that has been recorded,” he said.
He recalled that Katsina United secured promotion after receiving the needed support from the administration, describing the achievement as a source of pride for the state.
Governor Radda assured the NFF and other stakeholders that the state government would sustain its support for football development, Katsina United and initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people.
He also commended the organisers and participating teams for the successful hosting of the tournament in Katsina, saying the competition had provided young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Earlier, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the tournament had continued to provide opportunities for young people to participate in organised football while promoting unity, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
He described football as more than competition, stressing its role in promoting peace, national unity and social development.
“Football is not only about competition; it is also a powerful instrument for peace, unity and social development,” he said.
Gusau said the NFF would continue to encourage governments and other stakeholders to support football development at the grassroots, noting that young people needed positive opportunities to develop their talents.
He commended Governor Radda for his commitment to football development in Katsina State, particularly his support for Katsina United and grassroots football initiatives.
“I want to commend Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his support for football and youth development in Katsina State,” he said.
The NFF President said the federation remained committed to working with the Katsina State Government and other stakeholders to develop football, support young talents and create more opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor and the people of Katsina State for supporting the football sector and successfully hosting the tournament.
Gusau said the NFF looked forward to strengthening its partnership with Katsina State for the continued development of football and empowerment of young people.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; officials of the Nigeria Football Federation; representatives of football associations; coaches; sports administrators; sports writers; Chairman of Katsina United Football Club; and other senior government and sports officials.
