By correspondent in Minna.
Niger State government has inaugurated chairpersons and members of 32 sports associations, including squash, in a bid to boost state and national athletic performance in a significant move to revamp its sports sector.
Among the new appointees is former Nigeria’s number one female squash player, Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye, who made history as the first female chairperson of the Niger State Squash Association (NSSA), affiliated with the Nigerian Squash Federation.
At the Abdulsalam Youth Centre in Minna, the inauguration was presided over by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka, who urged association leaders to embrace their roles with passion to foster growth in the sports sector.
He expressed the state’s commitment to transforming sports by working with stakeholders to leverage Niger’s vast athletic potential at both local and state levels.
Gulbin-Boka emphasized that the power of sports extends beyond competition, aiming to elevate Niger State’s athletic profile, empower youth, and promote unity across communities.
He called on the associations to create inclusive programs, ensuring that all youths, regardless of background or ability, have access to sports.
Noting the state’s legacy as a former sports powerhouse, officials expressed hope that this new direction, coupled with the support of Governor Umar Bago’s administration, would reclaim Niger’s sporting glory, especially in handball, football, squash, basketball, hockey, and volleyball.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
