Mallam Yaradua Yahaya made the passionate appeal during the award night held at the Mandate Hall of Radio Kwara, Ilorin.

The former president of Kwara State All Star Club commended sports stakeholders for their immense contribution to the growth of sports in the state.

He said, “We urge the private sector and individuals to support KWARA SPORTS ARENA in the continuation of this award night and we hope his Excellency will continue to encourage athletes who are representing the state. And not to forget individuals and veterans who have made the state proud in various international tournaments including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

“The main reason why were are organizing this award is to reward athletes, coaches and sports stakeholders in the state who have invested their time and resources into sports”.

“Some of these individuals did not wait for anyone to help them groom their athletes but went ahead to make the state and country proud”, he added.

He recounted some of the achievements of some associations in the last two years adding that the parameters for selecting the best athletes are the medals they won at National and international tournaments.

The ex football player said, “Our yardsticks and parameters for selecting the best athletes are the medals they won at National and international tournaments.

“Despite the postponement of the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival, some athletes attended various national championship.

“Your Excellency Sir, it will interest you that one of our cricket players went to the U19 World Cup last year. If you can recall, the handball team went to the National Division One League in Kaduna last year and won the title, they went ahead to win the 2020 Prudent Energy Handball League in Abuja in their debut season”.

He commended the Governor for honouring the invitation of KWARA SPORTS ARENA to the novelty match and the award night adding that the Governor would have played a vital role in the novelty match held last Sunday.

He said, “I want to thank everyone and the Government under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman for the supports given to us for this ceremony to be a success.

“I am overwhelmed with the love shown by the athletes, coaches, sports administrators and government officials in ensuring that this award night becomes a reality.

“We kick started this award night program with a novelty match held at Kwara State Stadium this past Sunday where Team Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq played 1-1 draw with Team KWARA SPORTS ARENA.

“The Governor’s team almost stole the show but Team Arena equalized in the dying minutes and I am sure if the Governor had played in the novelty match, he would have scored an hat trick”, he ended.

• Huge Profits Abound in Commercialising Sports

Some days after the state Handball Team, Kwara Adorable Angels, won the first position trophy and other twelve laurels at the just concluded 2020 Prudent Energy Handball Premier League held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex, Abuja, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, received the winning angels today, 18 November, 2020, in the Government House.

The visit was to present the trophy and prizes to the Governor and to air their aspirations, challenges and requests.

Recall that Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier paid unscheduled visit to the team when the competition was on to boost the morale of the handball players.

Receiving the trophy and prizes, the Governor congratulated the young female athletes , who, he said, thoroughly impressed sports enthusiasts and the nation with their stellar performance.

He recounted how the state had dominated the sports sector, especially the squash game, in the past, attributing the decline in the state’s zeal and excellence in sports to unavailability of facilities.

AbdulRazaq then stated that if Kwara players have access to modern facilities and if the existing facilities are upgraded, strong hopes abound that the state will be taking a lead position in the sports industry.

He also noted that it is high time the state commercialised sports to ignite and drive in economic boost for the state.

The Governor submitted that the triumph was a product of the tripod of trials, faith and commitment, imploring the young girls to continue with their sheer patriotism for their state.

Earlier, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yakubu Danladi, commended the team and all the technical hands who worked assiduously to see that the success was achieved.

Honourable Danladi ascribed the victory to the texture of progressive policies and developmental initiatives, which, he said, are the hallmarks of Governor AbdulRazaq’s elixir in tackling state’s matter.

Introducing the team to the Governor, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mrs. Joana Nnazua Kolo, informed the gathering that the Prudent Energy Premier League was the first national competition the team would attend, adding that the presence of the Governor at the venue of the League in Abuja enlivened the young players and had an impact on their determination to thrive.

She further stated that the team has brought honour and glory to the state, saying this marks for the state an era of development, victory and positive transformation.

Also at the event were the House Leader, Honourable Olawoyin, party stalwarts, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Bar. (Mrs.) Iyabo Funke Banire, Director, Sports Development, Alhaji Abubakar Olusola Shehu, Director, Kwara State Sports Council, Coach Alarape Ibrahim Atanda and others.

Meanwhile, the angels had earlier visited the Deputy-Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Sports and Youth Development
18/11/2020