The Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Idris Nyam says the Ministry is in the process of formulating a State’s Sports Development Policy, which is guided by the State Development Plan.
The Commissioner made this known during the presentation of winning athletes and teams to Governor Nasiru El-Rufai at the Government House in Kaduna.
The vision of the policy, according to the Commissioner is to make Kaduna State the most viable State in Nigeria for the sports industry with full citizen participation and industry attractiveness for investment and pursuit of a professional career.
While also explaining that the policy will provide a variety of industry, centered around social and economic opportunities for all.
Presenting the athletes and teams to the Governor, the Commissioner further explained that Kaduna State has produced several professional sports men and women who are successful both locally and internationally.
“In football, we have names like Sadiq Umar, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Macauley Chrisantus, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Tijjani Babangida, Rashidi Yekini and Stephen Musa.
“Others are Maryam Usman who is an Olympian bronze medalist, Scott Nnaji, Ujiri Masai, and Mohammed Tijjani are also notable names in basketball. Samaila Usman and Grace Ayuba feature under cycling. This is to mention but a few of the several people who have emanated from Kaduna State and made impact in the world of sports.
“These men and women have shown commitment to their craft and displayed the quality and potential for building a professional career out of their sports, from Kaduna State,” Nyam said.
He therefore explained that the purpose of the presentation is to among other things, spotlight and encourage the effort of these individuals, and use them as examples to their peers in less desirable indulgences on the opportunities and possibilities available, when one tows the path of sincerity, hard work, persistence, and commitment.
“The young persons we presented here have won laurels for Kaduna state in National and International Championships in the year 2021 and 2022. These athletes have demonstrated the highest levels of sportsmanship, professionalism, state-patriotism and good ambassadorship in their various fields of play”.
Emmanuel Ukoh
