I discovered a respectable sports expert on Airport Road in Kano last Friday while considering the topic I intended to write about for this week’s column.
Many of us called him a “sports technocrat” because of his deep understanding of sports and years of dedicated work in sports administration.
I had no idea where he was heading, and to be honest, I didn’t even bother to ask. At that moment, it didn’t seem necessary to inquire about his destination, so I simply ignored that without questioning him.
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After we exchanged the usual pleasantries, as our faith encourages, he paused for a moment and expressed his appreciation for my modest contributions to sports development through this platform.
He acknowledged the efforts I have been making and emphasized that such dedication should continue, assuring me that genuine commitment like this can never go unnoticed.
According to him, consistent contributions no matter how small they may seem will eventually attract recognition and inspire positive change within the sports community.
He encouraged me to keep pushing forward, reminding me that consistency is essential in anything one chooses to do.
He noted that progress may sometimes appear slow, but steady effort is what eventually leads to meaningful results.
According to him, those who remain focused and committed ultimately set themselves apart and create lasting impact.
According to him, a time will surely come when those in positions of authority will have no choice but to act and do what is necessary for the progress of sports in our state.
I responded with “Ameen,” and without wasting any time, I asked him to share his thoughts on how our government, especially in Kano State, can genuinely develop sports across the entire state.
I wanted to hear from someone with his level of experience what practical steps could truly transform the sector and set Kano on the path to sustainable sports growth.
I emphasized that, considering the vital role sports play in our society, I wanted to know what specific steps the government can take to strengthen the sector.
Given how weakened and debilitated the sector has become, I went further to ask about the level of attention sports truly deserve and the concerted measures needed to revive it.
I also wanted to understand the wide-ranging benefits the state can enjoy socially, economically, and in terms of youth development, when the sports sector is properly supported and fully revitalized.
Without wasting any time, and clearly motivated by his deep concern over the serious challenges confronting the sector, the sports guru stated that the full development of sports in the state depends on the government addressing three fundamental areas.
He explained that these three elements are the backbone of total sports development anywhere in the world.
According to him, no state can make meaningful progress in sports without prioritizing personnel, facilities, and competition.
He identified personnel as the human engine that drives planning and execution, facilities as the essential infrastructure that supports training and performance, and competition as the platform that brings out talent and motivates continuous improvement.
Together, he emphasized, these three components form the foundation upon which a vibrant and successful sports sector can be built.
The expert further stated that sports remain a strategic asset for youth empowerment, social inclusion, economic growth, and international recognition.
And Kano State has historically been a leading force in Nigerian sports, producing renowned clubs such as Kano Pillars and nurturing exceptional athletes in various sports.
But sadly, he said, the level of sports participation, facility modernization, talent development, and hosting of major sporting competitions has declined over recent years.
And to restore Kano State as a sports powerhouse, he urged for a comprehensive blueprint focusing on human resources, infrastructure, and competition development is urgently required.
The first strategic priority is personnel development, as a strong and professional workforce is essential to drive sports growth.
Kano State currently has over 40 recognized sports associations for both able-bodied and para-sports.
And to ensure effective management, each association requires at least an Organizing Secretary and an Assistant, amounting to 80 administrative staff.
Additionally, 20 personnel should be employed to manage stadiums, zonal centers, and sports facilities across the state.
A further 100 technical staff, comprising certified coaches and sports medicine professionals, are needed to support athletes in training and competitions.
To sustain high performance and ensure quality representation in national and international competitions, the State should provide employment and full support for 200 elite athletes across team and individual sports.
This workforce structure, according to him, will create job opportunities, professionalize the system, improve service delivery, and drive better results at competitive events.
The second key pillar of sports development, the sports guru has said, is the provision and upgrading of sports facilities, which account for 75% to 80% of successful sports performance.
Since sports cannot be developed on paper alone, but must be practiced on standard pitches, courts, gymnasiums, tracks, and indoor halls.
He further explained that Kano State should embark on the rehabilitation of existing major facilities such as Sani Abacha Stadium and Kano Pillars Stadium, while also developing three zonal sports centers across Kano Central, Kano North, and Kano South.
Establishing school sports infrastructure is critical to grassroots talent discovery; therefore, government secondary schools should be equipped with basic sports amenities.
He opined that a High-Performance Sports Centre with a gymnasium, swimming arena, indoor games and sports science services (physiotherapy, nutrition, sports psychology) should also be established in the State Capital to support elite athletes.
He added that Inclusive facilities must also be provided for para-sports to ensure equal opportunities for all.
The third major area, according to him, is the development of competitive platforms because competitions are the final product of sports development which serve as avenues for identifying talented athletes, creating livelihood opportunities, attracting sponsors, and promoting tourism.
He added that, historically, Kano State has hosted major events such as the African Winners Handball Clubs Cup in 1997, the Nigeria School Sports Competition in 2003, and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.
Recent international participation includes Kano Pillars Football Club in the CAF Champions League in Senegal (2020) and Kano Pillars Handball Team in the African Handball Championship Cup in Niger Republic (2021).
He however observed that the absence of major hosting activities in the past decade has reduced visibility and growth opportunities.
Kano State should therefore reinstate structured competitions including school sports festivals, para-sports games, regional/zonal championships, and bid to host national and continental events within the next 3–5 years.
To achieve these outcomes according to him, implementation should be phased into short, medium, and long-term action plans.
Year one should focus on recruitment, school sports restoration, and facility renovation.
Years two and three should establish high-performance structures and ensure zonal facilities are fully operational.
Years four and five should feature hosting major national events and strengthening elite performance, while the long-term goal (up to 10 years) is to position Kano State as a regional sports tourism hub with consistent international visibility.
Funding will be sourced through government allocations, corporate sponsorships, public-private partnerships, and international grant programs such as those offered by FIFA, IOC, and IPC.
Success indicators will include improved medal standings at the National Sports Festival, increased participation in para-sports, a rise in the number of hosted competitions, scholarships and admissions secured for youth athletes, and significant job creation within the sports sector.
Ultimately, sports investment will transform Kano State’s talent into global success stories while promoting peace, unity, and healthy living.
He concluded that Kano State must urgently re-establish its dominance in sports by investing in sustainable structures rather than temporary interventions.
The Government and the Sports Commission are strongly encouraged to adopt this blueprint as a strategic pathway to restoring Kano’s long-standing reputation as the Sports Capital of Northern Nigeria.
Implementing these recommendations is not just an option, but it is a necessity if the state hopes to reclaim its leadership role in the nation’s sporting landscape.
By giving clear priority to manpower development, expanding and upgrading sports infrastructure, and ensuring regular, well-organized competitions, Kano can transform its sports sector into a dependable avenue for youth empowerment, economic growth, and meaningful national representation.
With the right commitment, sports will once again become a source of pride for the state and a powerful driver of social and developmental progress.
From his postulations, I became genuinely hopeful that if the Kano State Government can put these recommendations into action, the state has every chance of reclaiming its lost glory in sports.
His insights made it clear that the solutions are not out of reach, what is needed is commitment, proper planning, and the political will to follow through.
With the right steps, Kano can once again rise to the top and restore its pride as a leading force in Nigerian sports.
