By Kuti Dare

Congratulations to the good people of Kaduna state especially the ‘working’ Governor, Mallam Nasiru El Rufai as Kaduna won two gold medals in the volleyball and beach volleyball (men) events at the just concluded 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

Not only did Kaduna state win two gold medals in the volleyball and beach volleyball (men), the state finished second in the women’s beach volleyball event behind Edo state.

Kaduna state would have lost out if they did not participate in these events as the quick intervention of the State Government led by Mallam Nasiru El Rufai ensured the state featured in the 21st National Sports Festival.

The success story of the volleyball and beach volleyball teams will not be complete without mentioning the name of Engineer Musa Nimrod who doubles as the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association. 14 years after winning Gold meda (in the men’s volleyball event) at the 2008 National Sports Festival tagged ‘Kada Games’, Engineer Musa Nimrod through his selfless service puts the map of the state on the world again as Kaduna state struck twice again.

Engineer Musa Nimrod has invested huge resources in the development of players in the state, took children off the streets and made them National and African Champions. It is on record that 10 out of the 12 players that featured in the men’s volleyball event made their debut at the 21st National Sports Festival while the gold medallist in the men’s beach volleyball event are making their second appearance in the beach volleyball event at the National Sports Festival.

Before the commencement of the men’s volleyball event, Ogun state and Delta state were fanced to win the volleyball event due to the highly experienced players paraded by both teams but Kaduna stole the show with younger players that started their career in beach volleyball. These winnings at the National Sports Festival is a manifestation of Engineer Musa Nimrod belief in giving the younger generation the platform and opportunity to showcase their God given talents.

Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Mallam Nasiru El Rufai should use the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod as a role model for others to emulate. Nimrod should be seen as an ambassador of sports in Kaduna state who has used sports to alleviate, librate as well as take youths off the street of Kaduna.

It might interest His Excellency that Kaduna state youths have attended various African and World Volleyball Championship through sports. Currently, the Zone 3 U17 Beach Volleyball Boy’s and Girl’s Champion are Nigerians from Kaduna state

Your Excellency sir, the time is overdue for Engineer Musa Nimrod to receive an award, commendation as well as recognition for his investment in sports. Kaduna state is blessed to have such a reputable sports administrator in the state.

God bless Mallam Nasiru El Rufai,
God bless Kaduna state and
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Kaduna state beat Ogun state 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 15-13) to win gold in the men’s volleyball event at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State on Friday.

Kaduna state produced an outstanding performance against Ogun state who were unbeaten till the final match.

Kaduna surprisingly took the first set by 25 to 21 points in a set that saw the Ogun players struggle to get their rhythm. The second set produced a spectacular display from both sides as Ogun won by 26 to 24 points.

The young Kaduna players held Ogun state ransom in the third set 25 to 23 points before Ogun came back from behind to win the fourth set by 25-17. Kaduna finally cruised to victory in the fifth set winning by 15 to 13 points.

The Coach of Kaduna men’s team, Adamu Nitte expressed delight over the win against highly rated Ogun state.

Nitte revealed that most pundits did not give Kaduna state the chance of winning the finals adding that the Ogun team crushed all their opponents before entering into the finals.

He said 10 players out of the squad are making their debut at the National Sports Festival.

He said, “I am overwhelmed and cannot express myself because I am overfilled with joy. Kaduna was not the favourite to win the National Sports Festival but God is our strength and fortress.

“Ogun state is a very good side looking at their statistics but my boys did not respect them. 10 of my players are playing the National Sports Festival for the first time and this win will further boost their profile”.

He commended the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the team.

Meanwhile, Rivers State beat Kano state to win the men’s bronze at the 2022 National Sports Festival.

Partisan politics took the back seat as sports once again proved to be the unifier of Nigerians when the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and a host of other important dignitaries on Wednesday night in Asaba, Delta State unveiled the mascot for the 2022 National Sports Festival in an elaborate and colourful ceremony.

The chief host, Dr Okowa promised that Asaba will put up a show that the whole of the country will be proud of when the National Sports Festival begins later in the year.

According to him, “The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games and Delta will make it an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

In his own remarks, Sports Minister Sunday Dare said the National Sports Festival is no longer an event that would go unnoticed in the country.

His words: “The National Sports Festival must come with pomp, pageantry and colourful ceremonies. It is no longer a corridor event. It is a classy event reminiscent of the Olympic Games.

“Asaba is really ready with the unveiling of the Games Mascot. These are some of the little details obtainable at the Olympics and it is on display here in Delta State.”

Dare further charged the various committees to ensure that 2022 National Sports Festival delivers a world class competition that sets a standard for the future through its planning and execution.

The unveiling of the mascot officially flags off the marketing activities of the Games scheduled to hold in November 2022.