It was surely a festival aplenty as the incumbent governor of Kano state, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, his abounding allies, admirers as well as well-wishers in the state are celebrating the governor’s 62nd years birthday.
The celebration was no question a beautiful and befitting event to ponder the amazing excursion of the one who has ascended from an unassuming starting to become who he is today.
What’s more, without a doubt that Governor Abba’s birthday celebration was an event for the reflection and merriment of favored life which reflects in his positive commitment to the existence of individuals and his consistency in the service of the state.
His enthusiasm for the advancement of Kano state and its people isn’t concealed or hidden as he is on his feet going through ups and downs to ensure that things are done as he preferred or done according to instructions.
Our amiable and purposeful governor Abba Gida-Gida as he is affectionately called by his admirers is among the most regarded and popular governors of Kano state as his story is one of lightness, solidness, and greatness in doing what he accepts is really great for the generality of Kano people.
Nearly everybody in the state is touched by his works as he spreads them everywhere without discrimination, a feat that made him a workaholic and popular governor which also distinguished him from his predecessors.
That is why Abba Kabir Yusuf is seen as a practical politician and a Kwankwasiyya patriot who is committed to the ideals of democracy as his unwavering contribution to the development of the state speaks volume.
Most of us see him as a noble man whose leadership and integrity continue to inspire all especially those working directly with him. His common vision of a new Kano is beneath accomplishment without impediment or hindrance.
With the marvelous mantle of leadership and governance style, governor Abba has contributed to the development of various sectors of the state economy. This is why the good people of Kano state testify of his rare traits and achievements.
I therefore, joined millions of Kano people to celebrate Governor Abba at 62 and also thank Allah (SWT) for granting him good health, a sound mind, and the opportunity to serve Kano people with distinction,
While praying for more blessings to the celebrant, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf @62, I equally want him to continue his good gesture, loyalty and service to people especially in sports.
As we all valued him as a dependable, trusted leader of Kano state, we equally want him to do more to develop sports in Kano state.
We honestly thank Allah (SWT) that the governor is doing his best towards sports development in the state as the state’s darling team, Kano Pillars Football Club is receiving good and adequate attention from the governor.
Firstly, His Excellency, the Governor had listened to our appeal when he appointed new management for Kano Pillars Football Club with Ali Nayara Mai Samba, a well experienced club administrator as its pilot.
We are also pleased that peace has finally returned to the team and also happy to note that unlike before when the team was cash-starved, the team is now financially buoyant as the governor through his commissioner of youth and sports is solving all the financial needs of the club.
We are happy to hear from Ali Nayara Mai Samba, the chairman of the club, that Governor Abba is feeding the team well as they no longer have financial disaster in the club.
Mai Samba further revealed that the government does not delay anymore with the players’ allowances or issues.
And that was why Mai Samba was thankful to the governor and his commissioner for their concerns and commitment to the club because they treated and released all their requests without delays.
“We are happy that unlike before where players’ welfare were treated poorly, the story is changed now because it is given top priority and that made them committed and doing very well in the league”, Mai Samba added.
It is on record that this season is the best for the Kano Pillars FC despite some little disappointments as Kano Pillars recorded many away wins and away draws.
Similarly, Kano Pillars Football Club captain and midfielder, Rabiu Ali along with two other players, Abiam Nelson and Adams Aminu Sani have been included in the Super Eagles B team ahead of the CHAN qualifiers against Ghana on 2nd last December, 2024 for Marocco competition.
In other sports, the governor is also given serious attention as the state equally maintained its status and position in all national events it registered and participated in.
Governor Abba Kabir sponsored Kano Pillars Fives team to Sokoto recently for the National Fives Unity Cup in which Kano emerged winners of female teams with a trophy, 2 golf, 2 bronze medals and cash prize.
The governor also sponsored Team Kano at the 2nd edition of National Para Games in Abuja, the team secured 3rd position in the overall final medals table with 15 gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze medals in 2023.
Governor Abba Gida-Gida also sponsored Team Kano at the last two National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State in which: at the seventh edition, the Team Kano won a total of 15 medals, comprising 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 9 Bronze medals in 2023.
During the 8th edition (2024) of the same competition, Team Kano has won a total of 9 medals comprising 5 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals curtesy of governor Abba’s gesture.
The governor equally assisted all the registered private amateur clubs in the state with kits and Jerseys.
We also appreciate the renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium by the governor where the dilapidated sides of the stadium were repaired and the artificial turf replaced.
Only that His Excellency needs to give more attention to sports by investing heavily in sports because of its importance and multiple benefits to the people and the state.
Investing in sports will have multiple benefits and advantages to the state and its people. The first advantage is the Economic Benefits, which includes:-
1. Job creation: Here I am talking about Sports infrastructural development and events which create employment opportunities to a large number of people in the state.
2. Revenue generation: His Excellency needs to know that Sports events and tourism will attract visitors to the state thereby generating revenue for local businesses.
3. Increased GDP: Here, Sports investment contributes to the growth of the state’s GDP through infrastructure development, events, and tourism.
4. Local business growth: Sports investment also stimulates local economic growth, thereby supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The second is Social Benefits, which we have:-
1. Community engagement: Here, Sports programs promote community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusivity.
2. Youth development: Sports investment also supports youth development programs, promoting positive values and life skills.
3. Health and wellness: Sports infrastructure and programs encourage physical activity, improving public health and wellness.
4. Crime reduction: Sports programs can help reduce crime rates by providing alternatives for at-risk youth.
The third is Infrastructure Benefits, which entail:-
1. World-class facilities: In this the State government investment in sports infrastructure will provide world-class facilities for athletes and communities.
2. Urban regeneration: Sports infrastructure development can be a catalyst for urban regeneration, revitalizing neglected areas.
3. Increased property values: Sports infrastructure development can increase property values, enhancing local economic growth.
The forth benefits are Tourism Benefits, where we have:-
1. Sports tourism: Whereby if the State government invests in sports, it will attract sports tourists, generating revenue for local businesses.
2. International recognition: Hosting international sports events enhances the state’s reputation, attracting tourists and investors.
3. Cultural exchange: Sports events promote cultural exchange, fostering global understanding and cooperation.
The fifth are Intangible Benefits:-
1. National pride: Successful sports teams and athletes foster national pride, promoting unity and identity.
2. Inspiring future generations: Sports investment inspires future generations, promoting a culture of excellence and achievement.
3. Social cohesion: Sports programs promote social cohesion, bridging cultural and socio-economic divides.
Therefore, by investing in sports, the state governments can reap numerous economic, social, infrastructure, tourism and intangible benefits that enhance the quality of life for the entire citizens of the state.
Therefore, we in the sports sector are rejoicing with the governor on his birthday and pray for its many return in good health and wealth.
We also pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to uphold, keep and strengthen the governor to the benefit of humanity, amen.
On behalf of all the sports stakeholders of the state, I wish you a happy birthday and a successful tenure as you mark your 62nd birthday.
