By Ado Salisu
The National President of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has described sports as a vibrant aspect that unites and projects the good image of the country.
Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, stated this during the opening ceremony of the second edition of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu National Under-18 Boys Football Tournament currently taking place at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
He explained that the country is blessed with young skillful and talented players who need encouragement and support to excel at both national and international levels.
He applauded President Tinubu’s administration for tirelessly supporting the overall development of various sporting events across the country.
Dr. Gawuna who was represented by the YSFON Vice President Northwest, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Wali, charged the participating states to give maximum support and cooperation to the organisers towards the success of the championship.
While acknowledging the effort and commitment of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State for approving the hosting of the second edition of the championship, he urged other state governments to emulate the hosting state.
Dr. Gawuna, however, called on match officials to be fair and avoid anything capable of disrupting he smooth running of the championship.
Earlier, the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Lawan Zakari, described the tournament as an avenue for nurturing young talented players for future national and international competitions.
The governor assured of the state government’s readiness to continue supporting various sporting activities in order to move the state forward.
He commended President Tinubu for his commitment and contributions towards the upliftment of various sporting events nationwide.
In some of the matches played, Kebbi defeated Zamfara 2-0, Katsina crushed Jigawa 7-2, Gombe pipped Kwara 1-0 and Sokoto trashed Kaduna 3-1. Matches continue Wednesday at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium Katsina.
