The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Davidson Owumi has commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his efforts in developing sports.
Owumi gave the commendation during an inspection visit to the Lafia City Stadium to assess the quality of facilities and progress made on its renovation.
He said the Governor has demonstrated commitment in repositioning sports in the state as demonstrated in the ongoing renovation of the Stadium.
“I think there is a tremendous improvement in the stadium compared to what it used to be. I can still see that we still have some little touches to make going forward, but overall, it is work in progress and we believe that more work will be done to keep it to the standard that will benefit the state and Nigerian football.
“His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule is doing absolutely well. Financing a club, like Nasarawa United Football Club in the premiership is a very heavy task, so I must praise him for his very good spirit towards football and sports in general,” he said.
Owumi promised to share his findings with the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, who will make the final assessment.
He urged those implementing the governor’s vision to share his passion and commitment, saying, “I hope that the same spirit His Excellency has, those that are implementing should have the same spirit, so that at the end of the day, he will be very, very satisfied with everything he has done for the state.”
On his part, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Yakubu Kwanta, highlighted the state’s progress in sports development under the leadership of Governor Sule, saying that the state had been participating in all sporting events and national festivals.
Kwanta noted that the governor’s administration has made significant strides in promoting sports, saying Nasarawa State has been representing, their athletes have been representing Nasarawa State in all sports festivals and national festivals, and that it was possible because of His Excellency’s commitment to sport development.
The commissioner expressed confidence that sports was creating a future for the State adding that since the beginning of the league, the State’s team was driving between first and second position.
“I’m happy to announce to you that since the beginning of the league, we are driving between first and second position. And our commitment is to win the league, not only going to continental or being within the league. We want to win the league so that His Excellency will have a take-home when he is leaving office,” he said.
Kwanta also praised the governor’s vision, saying one of his dreams is to leave Nasarawa State better than the way he made it.
The inspection visit was part of the NPFL’s efforts to ensure that the stadia hosting premier league matches meet the required standards.
The Lafia City Stadium is one of the venues for the ongoing NPFL matches, and the renovation which included the replacement of football playing turf, installation of floodlights for night games, remodeling of locker rooms, construction of Governor’s comfort room among others, is expected to enhance the overall experience for fans and players during matches.
