The Kano State contingent at the ongoing 8th Edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, has made a special appeal to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf for assistance.

A source within the entourage, speaking off the record, revealed that the State Sports Commission had earlier submitted a proposal through the office of the Secretary to the State Governor to expedite the release of funds.

Despite the release of the funds, the Commission has not yet received the money to distribute to the team members.

The source lamented that during the previous edition of the Games, the state contingent, which had a larger team, was allocated more funds than this time around, even though the local currency has depreciated and inflation is on the rise.

The contingent also called on the current administration, through the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the issue promptly to protect the state’s reputation as a leader in various fields.

The athletes fear that if the situation is not urgently addressed, Kano may lose the opportunity to win medals, as they have occasionally arrived late to game venues.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to contact the Commissioner or his representative regarding the issue have been unsuccessful.

The Kano State Government has pledged its unwavering support for the newly established board of Kano Pillars FC. The commitment was expressed by the Commissioner of Youths and Sports so, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, during a courtesy visit by the board members, led by their chairman, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba, at his office on Monday.

It will be recalled that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, approved the formation of the new management board for the Nigeria Premier Football League side on Sunday.

Commissioner Kwankwaso assured the board of his full support and encouraged them to work diligently to restore the club to its former glory. He emphasized that the appointments were made based on merit after a thorough evaluation of the individuals appointed to the new board.

“Your selection was done based on merit after spending weeks studying the potential impact each of you could bring to the club,” said Kwankwaso. “I urge all of you to work together as a team for the betterment of the club.”

Regarding the state of the Sani Abacha Stadium, the Commissioner announced that work on the playing surface would commence soon and is expected to be completed before the kickoff of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season. He mentioned that the work would be carried out in phases and assured that it would not take long to complete.

In response, Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his role in ensuring the selection of the best individuals to lead the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League Champions. He promised that the board would do everything possible to ensure the team’s success.

Kano Governor Approves Appointment of New Management Board for Kano Pillars FC

In light of the recent expiration and subsequent dissolution of the previous management board of Kano Pillars Football Club, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of a new management team.

This decision was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday.

The new board members have been carefully selected for their competence and experience and will serve for an interim period of one year, with the potential for renewal based on the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons.

The new board comprised the following:
– Ali Muhammad Umar (Nayara Mai Samba) – Chairman
– Salisu Kosawa – Honorary Member
– Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole) – Member
– Nasiru Bello – Member
– Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West) – Member
– Muhammad Usman – Member
– Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo – Member
– Mustapha Usman Darma – Member
– Umar Dankura – Member
– Ahmad Musbahu – Member
– Rabiu Abdullahi – Member
– Abubakar Isah Dandago Yamalash – Media Director
– Ismail Abba Tangalash – Deputy Media Director
– Engr. Usman Kofar Naisa – Member

The governor expresses confidence that these individuals will bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of Kano Pillars FC.

The new board is expected to work closely with the state Ministry of Youth and Sport and other relevant stakeholders in the sport industry to promote Kano Pillars FC.

Additionally, the Governor approved the appointment of Nigerian Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa as the Kano State Sports Ambassador. His involvement will not only motivate the players but also elevate the recognition and prestige of the team.