Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Football Federation and expanding football development across the state, describing sports as a tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery and peacebuilding.
Radda gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and other federation officials at the Council Chamber of Muhammadu Buhari House, Government House, Katsina.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Government, the governor said his administration would continue to invest in football and other sporting activities to create opportunities for young people and help them develop their talents.
“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,” Radda said.
The governor said Katsina had a large pool of young sporting talents and stressed the need to create an enabling environment that would allow them to develop and compete at higher levels.
He added that sports could also provide young people with productive opportunities and help keep them away from negative influences.
Football Can Promote Peace and Youth Development
Radda said football and other sporting activities could contribute to peace and security by bringing young people from different backgrounds together and providing a positive outlet for their energy.
He also commended the NFF leadership for its support for Katsina United Football Club and recalled efforts by his administration to strengthen the club.
“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.
The governor said Katsina United secured promotion after receiving support from his administration, describing the achievement as a source of pride for the state.
He assured the NFF and other stakeholders that the state government would sustain its support for Katsina United, grassroots football and other initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people.
Radda also commended the organisers and participating teams for the successful hosting of the tournament in Katsina, saying the competition gave young footballers an opportunity to showcase their talents.
NFF Commends Radda’s Support for Football
Earlier, NFF President 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.
“Football is not only about competition; it is also a powerful instrument for peace, unity and social development,” Gusau said.
He said the NFF would continue to encourage governments and other stakeholders to support grassroots football, noting that young people needed more opportunities to develop their talents.
Gusau commended Radda for his administration’s support for football development in Katsina, particularly its backing of 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 emerging talents and create more opportunities for young Nigerians.
He also thanked the governor and residents of Katsina for their support for the football sector and the successful hosting of the tournament.
Gusau said the federation looked forward to strengthening its partnership with the Katsina State Government to support football development and youth empowerment.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; NFF officials; representatives of football associations; coaches; sports administrators; sports writers; the Chairman of Katsina United Football Club; and other government and sports officials.
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