By Eche Amos

The Youth, Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, Nasarawa State Chapter, Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Piloting the leadership of the team, State Chairman of the Federation, Suleiman Usman Bako said that the essence of the visit was to congratulate Mr Bala on his appointment as a commissioner.

“We are here to congratulate you (Hon. Othman Bala Adam) on your appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development. Also, we are here to welcome and congratulate the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (Alh. Aliyu Abdullahi Agwai), to the world of Youth and Sports and to pray for God’s guidance and protection to hold sporting activities in the State.

“The visit is also to thank the Ministry for helping to develop sports in the state as well as to inform you about our plans to organize the second edition of the YSFON-ALKALI U-13 Football Championship and to familiarize with you and the Ministry”, he stated.

He explained that both the Ministry and YSFON are on the same page when it comes to grassroots sports development, hence, the need to synergize as partners in progress.

“We both play virtually the same roles. You are part and parcel of YSFON. You did it before, and we know you can do it again.

“On this note, we wish to appeal to the Ministry to look at some of our needs, though they might be too cumbersome for you, so we can help develop sports in our state”, Mr. Bako said.

The YSFON chairman then presented a letter appointing the Commissioner as State Patron of the association.

“Last week, after the 36th edition of the Rahmat Cup held in Kano, I was mandated by the National President of YSFON and Deputy Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Kauna, to appoint and induct you as the Patron of YSFON, Nasarawa State Chapter. Congratulations!”, he pointed out.

Reacting, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Othman Bala Adam,who was joined by the Permanent Secretary and other Management Staff of the Ministry, thanked the team for the visit and promised that the Ministry would do all it could to add value to YSFON.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate this gesture. It’s touchy because I was a product of YSFON in many competitions.

“This is a re-awakening call, finding me worthy and appointing me as PATRON is a clarion call for me to serve further.

“I want to assure you that we will do the best we can to add value to this organization.”

YSFON was created to be the only youth sports custodian in Nigeria aimed at developing grassroots sports among the youth and to raise global, talented sports athletes, both in football and other sports that abound in the country.