By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government, through the Deputy Governor, Alh. Murtala Sule Garo, has described sports as an important platform for unity, youth engagement and economic development.
Deputy Governor Garo stated this at the “Northwest Veterans All-Star Renewed Hope Novelty Football Match 2026” held on Saturday at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, where he represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He said the tournament brought together former players, stakeholders and supporters in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.
Garo commended the organisers for sustaining a platform that reconnects veteran athletes with younger generations, noting that such initiatives help preserve sporting heritage and encourage positive engagement among youths.
He also reaffirmed Kano State Government’s commitment to working with the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders to support sports development and expand opportunities for young people in the region.
Photo Credit: SARAKEE NG
Earlier during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor’s office, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the Commission was established to reposition sports as a sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and engaging youths productively.
He said reforms in the sports sector were aimed at reducing bureaucratic challenges and placing professionals at the centre of sports administration.
According to him, Nigerian athletes won more than 373 international medals within two quarters of 2025, while the sector generated about 140,000 jobs in the third quarter and over 240,000 jobs in the last quarter.
Photo Credit: SARAKEE NG
Dikko urged Northwest states to strengthen grassroots sports development and improve participation in national competitions, noting that some talents from the region now represent other states due to limited local support.
He added that sports remains an important platform for promoting peaceful coexistence and teamwork across communities.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of sporting items, including a tracksuit and football jersey, to the Deputy Governor in recognition of Kano State’s support for sports development.
In return, Garo presented a gift to the delegation as part of the exchange of goodwill between both sides.
The event attracted participants and stakeholders from across the Northwest region.