A few days ago, a controversy emerged within Kano State’s sports sector following a visit by several sports associations, alongside the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in Abuja.
The outcome of the meeting reportedly triggered disagreements among sports stakeholders in the state.
It was gathered that within the stakeholder group, some associations including the Nationwide League One (NLO), SWAN, and the Kano Referees’ Association, all part of the Abuja delegation.
They were well received and benefitted, while others such as the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, the Ex-Players Union, and the Kano State Football Association were allegedly left out of the recognition and support that followed the visit.
Following the announcement of Senator Barau’s interventions in support of sports and youth development in Kano State, concerns were raised by some of the excluded associations, who felt sidelined in the process.
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The Senator’s interventions included the donation of three buses to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano Chapter; the Nationwide League One (NLO) Kano Forum; and the Kano State Football Referees Council to support mobility.
He also covered the registration fees for all 66 Kano-based clubs participating in the 2026 NLO season, an intervention valued in millions of naira.
While some stakeholders, particularly those not part of the Abuja delegation, viewed the development as a sign of imbalance in the distribution of support, I hold a different view.
To me, the situation reflects more of a breakdown in coordination, communication, and internal understanding within the state’s football structure than deliberate exclusion.
Ideally, an engagement of this nature should not proceed without the full knowledge and involvement of the Kano State Football Association.
For a few groups to proceed with such a visit without proper consultation suggests an internal gap that needs urgent correction. However, this is not beyond repair.
The Kano State Football Association, as the recognised authority, should formally engage Senator Barau, clarify the situation, and draw attention to the oversight.
Given his track record and openness to development initiatives, it is expected that he would respond appropriately once properly informed.
