The Nasarawa State Government, on Monday, bade farewell to the State’s Female Basketball Team, Nasarawa Amazons, as they proceed to Jos, Plateau State, for the first phase of the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League also referred to as the Savannah Conference.
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The State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, is ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, while addressing the team at their Camp in Lafia, congratulated them for making it to the league stage, and expressed Government’s continuous assistance to the team to excel at the event.
“I am here on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner who would have loved to be here in person, but couldn’t due to circumstances beyond his control.
“We congratulate you on this achievement. I am aware that some time back in Kaduna, you qualified for the two phases of the league.
“We want to assure you that you are part and parcel of us. Having received the royal blessings from your Patron, His Royal Highness, the Andoma of Doma, some few days ago, we are here to also release our blessings on you.
“We are solidly with you, and pray that God will take you there safely. And as you go into the competition proper, we need nothing but victory, which we believe God will grant you.
“Whatever will make you comfortable there is before the Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and we are expecting that before you get deep into the competition, there will be heartwarming news.
“The Governor and his Deputy have a deep passion for sports, so do the entire people of the State, and will leave nothing to chance to ensure sports and sports people thrive. We also urge you to be good ambassadors of the state”
“We thank the Association in the State under the leadership of Alh. Ayuba Tijanni Mohammed, who continues to ensure you don’t suffer.
“It’s deliberate that I came here with those who will be sources of inspiration to you ahead of the league. The Directors of the Ministry, the Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons FC, who incidentally played basketball at the national level, and the Team Manager of Nasarawa United FC, are all here.
“We hope that before you round off the first phase in Jos, some of us will be there to offer physical and moral support to you.”
Captain of the Team, Doris Shuaibu, thanked the Government for the visit, saying it was an encouragement, promising to live up to the expectations of the State and her good people.
Nasarawa Amazons will lock horns with the Nigeria Customs, Air Warriors, Plateau Rocks, Kada Angels, and Nigeria Army at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, in a six-day-long competition, starting from 22nd-27th August 2023, before returning to Lafia for the second phase of the league from 18th-24th September 2023, where the first four teams will join four other top teams from the Atlantic Conference for the final showdown in Lagos State, later in the year.
