RFI Extends Free Football Academy, Journalism Training to Kebbi 

RFI Extends Free Football Academy, Journalism Training to Kebbi 

The Director of Radio France International in Nigeria (RFI), Mr. Joseph Penny says the organisation will extend its free football academy and journalism training programme to Kebbi State.

Mr. Penny made this known when the Kebbi State Government’s media delegation, led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, paid him an advocacy visit at the organisation’s Lagos office.

He explained that RFI has trained and supported many young Nigerians in football and journalism through its youth development initiatives, noting that Kano state is among the beneficiaries of the programme.

According to him, Kebbi State will soon benefit from the initiative.

“We provide free football training for young people, and outstanding participants are given opportunities to join foreign football clubs that express interest in their talents.

“The programme has recorded remarkable success in Kano state, and we are delighted to extend the same opportunity to Kebbi,” he said.

Mr. Penny commended Kebbi State’s vast economic potential, which places it as an investment destination.

“Kebbi State possesses enormous economic potential capable of boosting its internally generated revenue. The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, the state’s impressive rice production revolution, and several other initiatives make Kebbi an attractive destination for development and strategic partnerships,” he added.

Responding, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Ahmed BK, expressed appreciation to the management of Radio France Internationale for considering Kebbi State as a strategic partner.

He said the proposed football academy would provide a valuable platform for talented youths across the state, including players of Kebbi United Football Club, to develop their skills and compete at national and international levels.

The Commissioner also highlighted the achievements of the administration of Governor Nasir Idris in infrastructure and human capital development.

“The present administration has made substantial investments in the construction and renovation of schools, healthcare facilities, road infrastructure, and the construction of a modern State Secretariat. These projects demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and living standards of the people of Kebbi State,” he stated.

The delegation on the advocacy visit to the station includes the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris; Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Ibrahim Jombali; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki; Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Abdullahi Idris Zuru; and Special Adviser on New Media, Aliyu Bandado Argungu.