Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has donated N10 million to Kebbi United Football Club and pledged more investment in sports.
He stated this on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, shortly after Ramadan break fast (Iftar) with players and officials of the club.
Bagudu reiterated his commitment towards sustaining support for the development of sports in the state particularly the game of soccer.
“We decided to invest more in sports than was not hitherto being done because sports is a field of endeavour like other fields.
“We want those who have skills and interest to have an opportunity in the field of endeavour where they can live productive lives and they can bring honour to all of us,” he said.
Bagudu appreciated the efforts of the club in its recent success in the Nigerian Professional League (NPL) as well as its feat against Zamfara United.
“First and foremost, we are here to thank all of you and to congratulate all of you for the successes you have witnessed despite our late start, you have done very well.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kebbi State, we want to show our appreciation and to encourage all of you for progressive,” he said.
Bagudu said he hoped more players would bring glory to the state in football like Zaidu Sanusi Jega that have reached the limelight in international football.
He said Kebbi was doing very well in beach soccer in the country and the world at large, recalling that beach soccer started like an experiment in the state.
Enumerating some achievements of his administration in sports, the governor said that the state government had sponsored some youths to Kwara Sports Academy.
He added that the athletes also attended all the National Sports Festivals, while the state para soccer contingents were in Kano for a tournament.
He appreciated the coach and his colleagues for making Kebbi their second home while expressing delight in the discipline, dedication and resilience of the Club.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Chika-Ladan commended Bagudu for his commitment to sports development in the state.
He observed that the establishment of Kebbi United Football Club and Kebbi Football Academy would be some of the legacies of the governor because of his belief in harnessing the potential of the youths at tender age.
Ladan revealed that a number of players from the state were being eyed by European and Asian clubs, saying: “because of the support from His Excellency, three players are in Egypt, hopefully, they will go beyond Egypt.
“Two players from the state were with Sporting Lisbon, Portugal, as soon as they reached 18 years, they will join the club,” he assured.