The Nasarawa State Government has reiterated its call for well-meaning individuals to invest in grassroots sports development to harness raw and hidden talents for podium appearances.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, made this call at the final of the Hasken Obi Peace and Unity Cup Grassroots Football Competition.
According to the Commissioner, “We wish to congratulate the sponsor of this competition, Engr. Yohanna Ebuga Elisha (Hasken Obi), for this laudable and progressive initiative to take youth off the streets and give them a pathway through sport.” He emphasized the power of sport in shaping the lives of young people and identifying raw potentials that can feed into the State’s Feeder Team.
The Commissioner cited the example of Anas Yusuf, the highest goalscorer in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League, who hails from Obi Local Government Area and was discovered through grassroots competition. He announced that the State Government has formed a robust Feeder Team for Nasarawa United FC to groom talents across the State.
The Commissioner called on talented young players to avail themselves for screening and recruitment into the Feeder Team. The winners of the Hasken Obi Peace and Unity Cup, Ozegya FC, were rewarded with One Million Naira, while the runners-up, Abagu FC, received 750 Thousand Naira.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Member representing Lafia Central at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki; the State Football Association Chairman, Salisu Galadima; and the Osuko of Obi, HRH. Alh. Aliyu Dangiwa Ogiri Orume.
