This morning, I had the opportunity to review a statement issued by the Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, one of the state’s key sports stakeholders, in which the body called on the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to urgently carry out a comprehensive review of the state’s sports sector and take decisive steps toward appointing a new Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
It was a statement, signed by the Public Relations Director of the association’s Kano chapter, Jabir Hassan that carried it and emphasized that the governor must ensure that whoever is appointed to the position is selected from among individuals with proven, hands-on experience in sports.CA
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They emphasized that the ideal candidate should be someone actively involved in the sector or with a credible background in it, particularly within football, arguing that such expertise is essential for informed decision-making and the effective development of sports in the state.
The stakeholders stressed that this is not a time for trial-and-error or for using appointments as a means of settling political interests, particularly in light of the declining state of sports in the state.
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They maintained that the government must prioritize competence by appointing someone with a deep understanding and highly knowledgeable of the sports sector and must be an individual who is fully aware of its challenges and possesses the vision, experience, and capacity to drive meaningful revival and sustainable development.
They further cautioned that appointing someone without a solid background in sports, particularly outside the circle of experienced professionals and key stakeholders, could deepen the already troubling decline in the sector.
According to them, such a misstep would only worsen existing challenges, as many teams are already grappling with neglect, inadequate equipment, poor funding, and the absence of a clear, sustainable development structure.
They warned that without informed leadership and strategic direction, the situation could deteriorate further, undermining the growth and competitiveness of sports in the state.
The stakeholders described the current state of Kano Pillars as deeply unfortunate and unbefitting of Kano State’s proud legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential football hubs.
They noted that the situation reflects a broader decline in the sports sector, which was once a source of pride and dominance for the state.
They lastly warned that the continued disregard for expert advice and professional input could have far-reaching consequences, including the gradual collapse of sports development structures.
According to them, this decline could affect the entire system, from grassroots programmes meant to nurture young talent to elite teams competing at national levels, thereby jeopardizing the future of sports development in the state.
After carefully reviewing their claims and arguments, I found myself in agreement with most of the issues they raised, though not without some reservations.
I share their view that the governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, should appoint a competent, experienced, and well-informed individual to oversee the sports sector and represent it effectively at the State Executive Council.
I also agree that the Kano State Sports Commission requires urgent and focused government attention to function efficiently and deliver improved results in national competitions.
Equally valid is their concern over the deteriorating state of sporting facilities across Kano, which need immediate upgrading to support grassroots development, mass production of athletes, and the hosting of both national and international sporting events.
However, my point of disagreement lies in what appears to be a narrow focus in their recommendation.
Their strong preference for a candidate with a football background reflects a degree of bias.
In my view, the state needs a leader with a broad understanding of sports as a whole, someone capable of developing multiple disciplines, rather than limiting the position to football alone.
