Kebbi Records Major Gains in Youth, Sports Development — Commissioner

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The Kebbi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Nura Bala Fingilla, has highlighted major achievements recorded by the ministry under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, particularly in sports development, youth empowerment and infrastructure.

Speaking during the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Kebbi State Ministry of Information and Culture, the commissioner said the ministry had recorded significant successes in both national and international sporting competitions.

Comrade Nura Bala Fingilla disclosed that Kebbi State athletes consistently won medals in Scrabble and Chess from the 18th to the 21st editions of the National Sports Festival as well as in international tournaments.

He added that the state also excelled in traditional sports such as Dambe and Kokawa, winning several laurels since the events were introduced into the National Sports Festival.

According to him, the state government also supported para-soccer and deaf athletes by funding their participation in national and international competitions.

The commissioner said Kebbi deaf athletes participated in the National Championship hosted by Imo State and received awards for participation.

On infrastructure, Fingilla said the ministry successfully completed and handed over the FIFA Goal Project to the state government.

He also revealed that renovation and construction works were carried out at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Dakin Gari/Basaura, including the construction of a female hostel, clinic, mosque, toilets, borehole, installation of a KVA transformer and solar system.

The commissioner further stated that sports equipment were distributed to sports associations across the 21 local government areas and 225 wards of the state in 2024.

He noted that the state government had profiled the construction of four skills acquisition centres in Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru Emirates to serve as training centres for unemployed youths.

Comrade Nura Bala Fingilla said the ministry also facilitated the creation of the State Youth Council, implementation of the state youth policy and establishment of State Youth Parliaments.

Highlighting youth development programmes, the commissioner said sensitisation campaigns on skills acquisition, dangers of drug abuse, political thuggery and conflict resolution between farmers and herders were conducted across the 21 local government areas.

He explained that the ministry organised various skills acquisition trainings in areas such as dyeing, cosmetics, barbing, hairdressing, tailoring, computer training, solar installation, handset repair, irrigation farming, fishing and animal husbandry.

According to him, the ministry collaborated with federal ministries, agencies and foreign organisations to train youths in trades, agriculture and the digital economy.

Nura Fingilla said the state government’s commitment to youth and sports development was evident in the just concluded National Sports Festival where Kebbi State emerged fifth overall nationally and second in Northern Nigeria with 12 medals comprising five gold, three silver and four bronze medals.

He described the performance as the best recorded by the state since the creation of the former Sokoto State.

The commissioner commended Governor Nasir Idris for supporting youth and sports development through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent development and partnerships aimed at empowering youths and promoting Kebbi State nationally and internationally.