Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for Wikki Tourists Football Club, charging the interim management, players and technical crew to work collectively towards returning the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
According to a statement by the club’s Media team, the Governor, gave the charge through the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, during a joint event organised by Wikki Tourists FC at Government House, Bauchi, as the club intensifies preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The programme featured the unveiling of the club’s Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar Mohammed, unveiling of new jerseys for the season and presentation of financial support to the newly elected executives of the Wikki Tourists Supporters Club.
Governor Bala Mohammed described Wikki Tourists FC as more than just a football club, but an institution that has brought pride and honour to Bauchi State through its contribution to football development and the production of players who have represented the state and Nigeria at various levels.
He charged the interim management to remain focused and mindful of the enormous responsibility before it, stressing that the primary objective must be to return the club to the country’s elite football division.
The Governor assured the club of continued government support, expressing confidence that with dedication, discipline and purposeful management, Wikki Tourists would overcome its present challenges and reclaim its place in Nigerian football, the statement added.
Governor Bala Mohammed also congratulated the newly elected executives of the Wikki Tourists Supporters Club, urging them to demonstrate maturity, discipline, good conduct and sportsmanship in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He emphasised that responsible supporter behaviour must become the hallmark of the club’s supporters before, during and after every match, noting that positive support remains an important factor in the success of any football team.
In a demonstration of his personal commitment to the club, the Governor’s representative announced a donation of ₦2 million to the Wikki Tourists Supporters Club and another ₦2 million to the Wikki Tourists FC team, bringing the total financial support to ₦4 million.
The gesture was warmly received by the club management and supporters, who expressed appreciation for the Governor’s continued encouragement and support.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists FC, Alhaji Haruna Bako, said the programme was organised to formally inform the Bauchi State Government of the club’s readiness for the forthcoming season and highlight the efforts being made by the management to reposition the club for better performance.
Bako outlined some of the achievements recorded since assuming office, including participation in two preseason tournaments as part of preparations for the new season, the successful conduct of elections into the Wikki Tourists Supporters Club and efforts towards marketing the club internationally.
He explained that the management was committed to transforming the club through purposeful administration, improved preparation, effective marketing and the collective support of all stakeholders.
The Sole Administrator reaffirmed the management’s determination to return Wikki Tourists FC to the NPFL, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken to achieve the desired objective.
He, however, appealed for continued support and cooperation from stakeholders, particularly Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, whose consistent commitment to the club, he said, had continued to provide encouragement to the management.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Bashir Ya’u, assured that the ministry would continue to work closely with Wikki Tourists FC for the progress and development of sports in Bauchi State.
The Commissioner commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his unwavering support to the club, describing the government’s commitment as a demonstration of its determination to see Wikki Tourists regain its position among Nigeria’s elite football clubs.
He charged the management, players and technical crew to reciprocate the government’s goodwill by working hard and remaining committed to the task of returning the club to the Premier League.
In a vote of thanks, the team captain, Shafiu Adamu Duguri, reaffirmed the commitment and readiness of the players to give their very best throughout the 2026/2027 NNL season to ensure Wikki Tourists FC achieves its ultimate objective of returning to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his unwavering commitment to Wikki Tourists FC and assured that the players would reciprocate the gesture through dedication, discipline, hard work and positive results on the pitch.
The captain further called for unity and collective support from all stakeholders as the team embarks on its mission to restore the pride and glory of Wikki Tourists FC.
A major highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of Bala Abubakar Mohammed as the Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists FC ahead of the 2026/2027 NNL season.
The unveiling marks another significant step in the club’s preparations as the management continues to strengthen its technical structure and build a competitive team capable of challenging for promotion.
The club’s new jerseys for the season were also unveiled, signalling the beginning of another chapter in its rebuilding process.
The occasion also witnessed the presentation of a Wikki Tourists FC jersey to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in recognition of his outstanding support and commitment to the club as its Number One Supporter and Promoter.
The presentation symbolised the club’s appreciation of the Governor’s consistent encouragement, financial assistance and commitment to the development of Wikki Tourists FC.
The event further featured the presentation of the ₦2 million donation cheque from a sports pholantropist DIG Sani Mohammed,Rtd and the Management of Wikki Tourists fc who donated #1 million naira each to the newly elected executives of the Wikki Tourists Supporters club.
The combined event at Government House Bauchi represents another important milestone in Wikki Tourists FC’s preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season.
With renewed government support, strengthened technical leadership, improved preseason preparations, a restructured supporters’ organisation and growing international marketing prospects, the club is determined to embark on a new journey towards reclaiming its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
