It is a raw fact that His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano state, is undeniably popular because he has broken numerous records, which give him advantages over and above his predecessors.
However, if he accomplishes one more thing for the state, I have no doubt that he would draw a thicker, more distinct line of greatness between himself and other governors of the nation, including former Kano State governors.
Governor Abba’s reputation, fame and popularity would surely rise as a result of being the first governor of the state to organize the National Sports Festival in Kano state as a whole.
This is because it is evident that Kano State, whose most prominent inhabitant is Governor Abba himself, is a sports-loving state, with the vast majority of its citizens being passionate sports fans and followers.
This encourages a large number of Kano people to focus solely on sports because, in addition to playing for fun or health, many of them make a job or money from it.
His Excellency is probably aware that there are hundreds of thousands of mini-stadiums and TV houses distributed around the state, and that they are usually full whenever a game is played, whether locally or internationally.
Due to these and countless more reasons, Kano State is presently the most sports-loving state in the north and among the nation’s top sports-loving states.
It is on record that Kano state is the only state where the stadium fills to capacity whenever Kano Pillars FC plays a league match. And that demonstrated the people’s love for sports.
I am confident that His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusf is also aware that the 22nd National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport and most popular sports gathering event, will take place in Ogun State, Nigeria, at any time from now, as the tentative start date is May 16-30, 2025.
The governor is also aware that male and female athletes from all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are allowed to compete in the national multi-sport event championship, as the name implies.
The Federal Government of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission organizes the two-week long competition, which aims to create national unity and display Nigerian athletic excellence.
The event used to attract a large number of tourists from outside the country, including those from Africa, Europe, and other continents.
While some travel to scout potential African athletes from their own countries’ clubs, others seek to experience true African sports competition.
For this reason, I am encouraging and appealing to the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to see reasons and bid for the event to be hosted in Kano following Ogun and another state.
This is because the next edition, after the one slated in Ogun state, has already been adopted by Anambra state, which, according to my research, has made great headway in its preparation.
Sir, because of the numerous benefits to any hosting state, this is not the first time I have written to the government for the same purpose; I did it several years ago under prior administrations, but it all fell on deaf ears.
I’m repeating it to you, sir, to see reason and begin the process of hosting this big sporting event by registering your state’s intention to host the festival with the National Sports Commission.
Sir, doing that will no doubt project your name more than expectation and will also make it to be written in gold just for accomplishing this crucial and historic event for the state.
It may interest His Excellency to know that Kano State has been a long-standing participant in the Nigeria National Sports Festival (NSF) since its commencement.
Since the inception of the Nigeria National Sports Festival in 1973, the Kano state team has continuously and enthusiastically participated, demonstrating the state’s strong commitment to sports development and national unity via athletics.
Kano state, one of Nigeria’s founding states with a rich cultural and sporting legacy, has used the NSF platform to demonstrate its skill, resilience, and excellence in a variety of sporting disciplines.
Historical Involvement and Milestones: It is on record that the Kano Team has competed in key track and field events, combat sports, team games, and emerging disciplines since the inaugural edition in Lagos, creating a name for itself via outstanding performances and medal tally.
Throughout the decades of its participation, Kano State has produced various national and international athletes who came to fame through the NSF.
Institutional Support and Talent Development: The then Kano State Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development have consistently invested in talent identification, grassroots development, and athlete welfare.
Training camps, local tournaments, and infrastructure enhancements have all been designed to improve Kano’s competitiveness at the NSF.
Achievements and Impact: Kano Team has consistently finished in the top levels of the medal table across multiple editions, succeeding in sports such as boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, athletics, and football.
The state’s success in the previous NSF has been fuelled by effective coaching, disciplined athletes, and strong community support.
Contribution to National Unity and Inclusion: Beyond medals, Kano State’s NSF involvement exemplifies national integration and peacebuilding.
The state has traditionally emphasized diversity by showcasing athletes from many backgrounds, including those with disabilities and female athletes, in line with the national objective of unity through sports.
Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Kano State remains committed to enhancing its sports programs, with the goal of hosting the National Sports Festival in the future and developing Olympic-level athletes.
Kano Team’s continuing participation demonstrates its firm commitment in the NSF as a weapon for young development, national pride, and social transformation.
From the foregoing postulation, Kano state should waste no time in sending its proposal to bid for hosting the 26th edition of the National Sports Festival in Kano State.
His Excellency should know that the importance of hosting in the state cannot be overstated, as the game was originally intended as a “unifying tool” with the primary goal of encouraging peace and cross-cultural affiliation in Nigeria following the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
The game is also used as a development and training event to help competitors prepare for continental and international competitions.
Other objectives of the National Sports Festival are: to generate a robust talent pool of athletes; to enhance and elevate sports at grassroots level; to provide a standard program for athletes’ succession; to enhance and elevate sports at grassroots level and to prevent age cheating in sports.
The remaining goals of the NSF are to stimulate early engagement in sports; to involve young athletes in the Olympic Movement, skill development, and social responsibility; to improve cultural and educational development; and to promote national unity.
As I indicated previously, hosting the event in Kano is a direct and indirect creation of new and upgrade of existing and damaged sporting facilities in the state.
Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to expose our people to a variety of sporting activities, which may help them gain gaming experience and perhaps earn a living.
Economically, sponsoring or hosting this type of event will improve economic activity in the state since traders as well as other businesses will experience a sales boom, which will increase their income and revenue for the state.
That is why Kano state should strategically send its proposal for the Bid to Host the 26th National Sports Festival.
With all these, I crave the attention of His Excellency to officially send the bid as host of the 26th Edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) from the National Sports Commission, Abuja.
Other states that know the benefits and importance of the event have hosted several and are ready to host it if given the chance to do so.
This is because the National Sports Festival remains Nigeria’s most prestigious multi-sport competition, fostering talent discovery, state-level pride, and unity.
Therefore, hosting the NSF will present a golden opportunity for Kano to cement its position as a leader in national development through sports.
Rationale for Hosting the National Sports Festival in Kano:
His Excellency is aware that Kano is centrally positioned in the northern region with excellent transport infrastructure, including an international airport and a reliable road network, making it ideal for national and international access.
Sporting Heritage:
As a historical participant in every edition of the NSF, Kano has produced numerous national champions and Olympians. The city is deeply passionate about sports, with an enthusiastic fan base and a record of successful hosting of local and regional competitions.
Modernizing Sports Infrastructure:
The state boasts major sporting facilities such as the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars Stadium, Mahaha Sports Complex, and an indoor sports hall which only needs refurbishment and newly constructed one to align with NSF hosting requirements.
Economic and Social Impact:
Hosting the NSF will stimulate the local economy through hospitality, tourism, and business engagement, and will also boost Kano’s image as a hub for peace, unity, and youth empowerment.
Objectives of the Bid:
To promote Kano as a center for sporting excellence and youth development.
To foster national unity and cultural exchange through sports.
To utilize the NSF as a tool for economic growth, tourism, and job creation.
To inspire a new generation of athletes and encourage mass participation in sports.
Proposed Actions:
The NSF 26th Edition Bidding & Planning Committee should ideally be under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the state, including representatives from the Ministry of Sports, infrastructure experts, the private sector, and security agencies.
Sir, Kano state should immediately engage with the leadership of the National Sports Commission to formalize Kano State’s intention to host.
Locally or internally, the state should put machinery in motion on the Assessment and upgrading of facilities to meet national standards.
Development of a multi-sectoral partnership plan with local businesses, hospitality stakeholders, media houses, and civil society groups should also be put in place.
His Excellency, should be aware that his administration’s vision of youth engagement, economic revitalization, and global rebranding of Kano State will be rekindled when he agrees to host the 26th National Sports Festival. It will be a legacy-defining achievement under his leadership.
And if his Excellency sees reason and marries the idea of bidding the National Sports Festival in Kano, here is the Checklist/Timeline for NSF Bidding Committee immediately.
First is the Formation and Inauguration of the committee for the task: the government without delay should form the bidding committee with relevant stakeholders.
Then followed by the Inaugurate the committee and define roles.
Next is to set clear objectives and timelines: Under this, the committee should seek for Audience and Suggestions. And to do that:-
1. Meet with local government officials, sports administrators, and community leaders.
2. Gather suggestions and ideas for the bid.
3. Identify potential venues and facilities.
Consultations with Stakeholders.
1. Consult with sports organizations, sponsors, and potential partners.
2. Discuss logistics, transportation, and accommodation.
3. Assess available facilities and infrastructure.
Bid Document Preparation (from now to June).
1. Compile information and data gathered.
2. Draft the bid document, including:
– Introduction and overview
– Venue and facility information
– Logistics and transportation plans
– Accommodation options
– Sponsorship and partnership opportunities
– Event program and schedule
3. Review and finalize the bid document.
Finalization and Submission.
1. Finalize the bid document and supporting materials.
2. Submit the bid to the relevant authorities before the deadline.
3. Prepare for potential site visits or presentations.
The timeline above assumes a strict deadline and calls for the committee to operate efficiently. Frequent meetings and progress reports will guarantee that the bid is timely and complies with the specifications.
I respectfully ask for your permission to allow Kano State to formally submit its bid to host the 24th National Sports Festival and to instruct pertinent parties to start making the required arrangements.
I continue to have faith that Kano will produce a historic, nonviolent, and top-notch NSF under your inspiring direction.
May Allah (SWT) help us, ameen.
