In a bid to advance the cause of youth and sports, the Nasarawa State Government through the State’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development was in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday, to hobnob with Government and Private Organizations.
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Leading a six-man delegation from Lafia, Permanent Secretary of Nasarawa State’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi began with the office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
During the interface, Danladi told the Federal Permanent Secretary, Alh. Ismaila Abubakar,
“We are here on a familiarisation, fraternization, and networking visit.
“We are one of you and consider ourselves as your junior in the area of sports management and administration in Nigeria.
“Upon my assumption in office as the permanent Secretary and coupled with the mandate of our principal, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, to think outside the box by making the Ministry more laudable in terms of sports growth and youth development, we deem it fit to meet with you to tap from your wealth of experience and resourcefulness.
“Our areas of interest is to seek collaboration, partnership, and support from the Federal Ministry Of Youth and Sports in the area of grassroots sports development and sporting infrastructure support to our State, such as connecting us with some of your productive partners in key areas and availing us the opportunities to also explore the world, like attending the forthcoming Youth Games later in the year in Trinidad and Tobago so we can understudy the situation there and replicate same back home.
“The essence is to also make our own mark and contribute our own quota to the system.”
Danladi thanked the Federal Permanent Secretary for the audience granted the delegation despite the short notice to visit, assuring him that Nasarawa State remains the best destination for investors to channel their resources as it is blessed with abundant human and natural resources.
In his reaction, Ismaila Abubakar, commended the delegation for the visit, describing it as the first of its kind by any State of the Federation.
“Thank you for this August visit. This is the first time, ever, that a Permanent Secretary from a State Ministry of Youth and Sports would be visiting the Federal Ministry seeking a partnership.
“This is a welcome step you have taken. Nasarawa State has been pulling its weight as far as sport is concerned.
“We have been reading and watching with keen interest what Governor Abdullahi Sule is doing, not only in the area of sports but in so many areas.
“You have vibrant and agile youth who are always ready to participate in sports and other areas pertaining to the development of the State.
“Sports require someone who can think outside the box and this is why we are working daily to bring people from the private sector to help move our athletes and sports forward through the National Sports Industry Policy Initiative formulated by the immediate past Minister, Hon. Sunday Dare, and we woo investors and partners by giving them incentives.
“As for your request to accompany Team Nigeria to the Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, we are going to sponsor 3 Nasarawa State officials including you the Permanent Secretary, Director of Sports Organizing, and one other person for the trip.”
The Federal Permanent Secretary pledged the full support of his Ministry to Nasarawa State in areas possible.
Ismaila said he trusted the capacity and wherewithal of Danladi, admonishing him to work with the best brains available to ensure that he revolutionizes the youth and sports sector in Nasarawa State.
Other members of the delegation included Director of Sports Organizing, Lawrence Shammah; Director of Youth Development, Umar Abubakar; Immediate-past SSA to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Youth Affairs, Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani; State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comr. Jaafar Loko, and Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Eche Amos.
