By Amaechi Agbo
In a high-level strategic engagement aimed at repositioning Nasarawa State for dominant outing in the 2026/27 Football League Season in Nigeria, the Management of Nasarawa United FC and the Executive of the State Football Association, Tuesday, interfaced with the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Lafia, also brought into focus Honourable Kwanta’s dual mandate as the supervising authority coordinating the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.
The cross-sector interface was convened at the Ministry of Works, to align sporting ambition with infrastructural and logistical support ahead of the new league campaign.
In his remarks, the Commissioner congratulated members of the Board of Nasarawa United FC as the most passionate , focused, committed and peaceful leadership, despite comprising of young individuals.
“I am honoured to receive this high-powered sport delegation here in my office to congratulate and felicitate with me on my recent appointment to oversee the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport by my Principal, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
“Let me say, in the history of Sports Administration in the State, there has not been a Club Management that’s as peaceful as the current Board Members led by Mr. Solomon Babanjah.
“I see the passion, the unity, the love, and sincerity of purpose among Members of the Board concerning Nasarawa United. You have been consistent and focused, despite hues from some quarters to rejig the Board, which after our reviews, it is not necessary to disband the Board of the club which is already succeeding.
“Nasarawa United would have finished on the table better than where they ended last season, if not for some hitches, but I believe we can do better, going forward.
“I’m happy to identify with you. And thank you for all your support to me and the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“Equally, too, I am proud of the Board of the State Football Association under the leadership of Salisu Usman Galadima ‘Basira’.
“The FA Chairman has shown capacity, and made the Association attractive and result-driven”, Kwanta stated.
The Commissioner thereafter passed a resounding vote of confidence on both the Board of Nasarawa United FC and the State Football Association Board, for their huge contributions to football development in the State.
“I have followed your stewardship closely. Your commitment to discipline, passion, football development and professional administration, I must say, these give us every reason to believe that Nasarawa State will not only compete, but contend in the 2026/27 football season in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the State Government, I hereby pass a vote of confidence in your leaderships. We will match that confidence with the enabling environment by providing all the necessary things to ensure you succeed in your set goals, including sport infrastructure”, he added.
The Commissioner disclosed that Governor Abdullahi Sule had approved funds for the commencement of works at the five approved mini sports complexes in Doma, Wamba, Kokona, Keffi, and Toto Local Government Areas, assuring that the groundbreaking ceremony would commence in the coming weeks.
He further stated the replacement of the playing turf at the Lafia City Stadium to meet the required standard will take effect soon.
Earlier, Chairman of Nasarawa United FC and leader of the visiting delegation, Solomon Babanjah, told the Commissioner that they were in his office to congratulate him on his recent appointment to supervise the Works, Housing and Transport Ministry, inform him about preparations for the upcoming football season, and to seek his support to enable the State’s Premier League Club and FA Succeed.
Delivering the vote-of-thanks, Chairman of the State Football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima, commended the Commissioner for engineering talent and sports development in the State.
He credited Kwanta Yakubu as the best Commissioner he has worked with, assuring him of his unalloyed support at all times.
While acknowledging that there were skirmishes in the past, Galadima promised to work assiduously with the leadership of the Youth and Sports Commissioner, and will leave no stone unturned to ensure the State’s Professional teams win laurels and secure continental tickets next season.
Also in attendance at the meeting was the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Moyi.
*Eche Amos – FCBS, ANIPR*, Director of Media, Nasarawa United FC.
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