Initiator of the Mark D’Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has lauded the Nasarawa State Government for its commitment to sports development and expansion of the state’s sports ecosystem.
During a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Bohar, Mark praised Governor Abdullahi Sule for leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and social unity. “I commend the governor for actively advancing sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and social unity. This policy is managed by you through conscious and deliberate investment which has started yielding results,” he said.
Mark cited the success of Nasarawa United, currently among the top three clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, as evidence of the state’s progress. He also noted the government’s investment in infrastructure, including the upgrade of the Lafia City Stadium, and talent discovery initiatives such as the annual Governor’s Cup and participation in the National Sports Festival.
Commissioner Bohar reaffirmed the administration’s mandate to harness sports for reducing unemployment and promoting peace among young people. “My Ministry, working under the mandate of Mr. Governor, is to use sports as a means of reducing unemployment and fostering peace among the youth. The state runs the annual Governor’s Cup football tournament across its 13 local government areas to discover grassroots talent. Aside football, we host and support other sports competitions across the state,” he said.
The exchange underscores Nasarawa’s growing reputation as a state investing strategically in sports as both a developmental and unifying force.
By Adeolu Johnson, Abuja
