From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has donated sporting equipment to security agencies as part of its post-insurgency recovery efforts aimed at promoting peace, wellness, and community integration.
Presenting the items on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports, Social and Community Development, Alhaji Barma Shettima, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy recreation and strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Muhammad Gidado Abubakar, the commissioner described sports as a vital tool for fostering cordial relationships among security agencies and their host communities.
He said the initiative aligns with the Governor Mai Mala Buni administration’s vision of building a healthy, secure, and productive society.
According to him, each benefiting security agency received 18 football jerseys, two tracksuits, two footballs, 12 pairs of football boots, and other sporting equipment in recognition of their unwavering contributions to sustaining peace and unity across the state.
Receiving the items on behalf of the benefiting security agencies, the representative of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel W. O. Ahmad, expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the donation as timely and impactful.
He said the equipment would enhance sporting activities within the security agencies and further strengthen collaboration with host communities through football competitions and other recreational events.
In his remarks, the North-East Zonal Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Ahmad Kagana Amshi, commended the Yobe State Government for its sustained investment in sports development.
Amshi pledged SWAN’s continued support in promoting sports development in Yobe State, the North-East region, and Nigeria as a whole, noting that sports remain an important instrument for post-conflict recovery, social cohesion, and youth development.