The Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC) has signed a major partnership with the Global Peace Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative to promote sports development, youth empowerment, and peace through sports in the state.
The agreement, signed on Friday at the Commission’s office in Minna, will provide sports kits, scholarships, and empowerment programmes for young athletes. It will also open the doors for private sector investment in the state’s sports industry.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu, described the deal as a “win-win initiative” that would reposition Niger State’s sports sector.
He said about 10,000 sports kits will be produced, while special attention will be given to encouraging girl-child participation in sports, in line with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s agenda.
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Under the partnership, Global Peace Advocacy, through its sports arm, Global Sports Group B.V Masita of the Netherlands, will supply kits to all sports associations in the state, including the Niger Tornadoes football club. Football and basketball will be the main focus areas to engage youths and reduce social vices.
Amb. Dr. Badamasi Sadiq Ibrahim, Director General of the Initiative, said a Global Peace Football Competition will be organised to discover young talents who will be marketed to European clubs. He added that foreign tours will also be arranged for identified players, while Niger Tornadoes and state teams will be fully kitted.
He explained that profits from players sold abroad will be shared equally between the state and the organization, with the state also receiving a 50 percent discount on sportswear purchases.
The event also had the presence of TAJ Bank officials, as part of efforts to attract private sector support. The ceremony ended with the official signing of the partnership agreement, witnessed by senior state officials.