Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, has re-echoed the commitment of the State Government towards grassroots talents development.
Danladi made this known when he received officials and players of Lafia-based J-Man Football Academy, in his office on Thursday.
“Thank you for coming to rejoice with us and showing your good intentions of partnering with us.
“From what I have seen, I can boldly say you have one of the best-organized Football Academies in the State, virtually in all spheres.
“These crop of players I see here today proves to me that future stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Sunusi Ibrahim, and many more, will come out from this Academy. This means you know what you are doing.
“Sports, particularly football, have become a lucrative business that can generate huge investment to not just an individual but an entire society, and this is in line with what we are prioritizing as a Government.
“From experience, my advice to you is to remain dedicated, committed and focused while working hard accompanied with prayers; build synergies with big clubs around the country”, he began.
The Permanent Secretary pledged the support of the Ministry towards the realisation of what the Academy stands for.
“The Ministry is your home. I have been following your progress report and I must assure you that we are willing to work together in areas that are mutually beneficial.
“The administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule is opened to such partnership as it’s already creating a new structure for the State-owned football team, Nasarawa United FC, for optimal performance and as well creating favourable environments for youth to showcase their talents, which by implication, will keep them busy and reduce criminalities in the society.”
He thanked the delegation for the visit and promised to keep the line of communication constantly opened for the benefit of both parties.
Speaking on behalf of the Academy, Mr. Jason Babatunde Daniels (Sporting Director) explained that the team, fully owned by an indigene of the State, is a football recruitment and scouting outlet based in Lafia and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as well affiliated with the Nasarawa State Football Association.
He said they were at the Ministry to familiarize with the Permanent Secretary and Ministry, inundate him with their activities and celebrate with the Permanent Secretary on his rise to the peak of Civil Service in the State.
He equally noted that the visit was to seek avenues to establish mutually beneficial collaborations with the Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the areas of athletes’ discovery, nurturing and development into global super stars and in the area of human resource development.
The delegation was led by President of the Academy, Jamilu Abdullahi Sule.
