Grassroots Sports Initiative in Niger State
The Niger State Sports Commission has taken a significant step towards nurturing young talents within the state by launching the Grassroot Sports Department. This initiative aims to identify and develop promising athletes at the grassroots level, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
During a one-day training session titled “Sports Journalism as a Tool for Development, Unity, and Social Change,” organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Comrade Danjuma Masu, highlighted the importance of this new department. He emphasized that the collaboration with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria North Central is a crucial part of this effort.
Masu, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Sports Commission, Baba Sheshi, explained that the creation of the Grassroot Sports Department is aimed at bringing sports closer to the people. The goal is to catch young individuals at an early age and provide them with the necessary support to excel in their chosen sports.
“Grassroots sports is one of the ways we can catch them young in sports in the state. We have created the department, and we will ensure that our dragnet will be in all the 25 local government areas of the state to ensure that no child is left out,” Masu promised.
Continued Support for Sports Development
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Nexter Radio, who also serves as the Zonal Representative of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, North Central, Mohammed Nma Kolo, expressed his commitment to supporting sports development in the state. Although he was represented by the Manager News Nexter Radio, Nma Maku, his message was clear: sports will not be neglected in Niger State.
“Sports will not suffer or be neglected in this state. We have great potentials to help Nigeria win laurels in sports globally and I pledge to continue to give my support to sports at all times and to ensure that we take our rightful place in the nation’s sports,” Nma Kolo assured the team.
Reviving Sporting Activities
The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Alhassan Kutigi, revealed that the current SWAN Exco aims to make the union more vibrant and result-oriented. He emphasized the need to revive sporting activities through an accountable and transparent process.
Similarly, the state Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Abu Nmodu, commended SWAN for organizing the training session. He urged participants to apply what they learned for the overall development of SWAN.
An ex-North Central SWAN Zonal Secretary and Ex Officio, Comrade Abu Hassan, reminded sports administrators in Niger State that sports is a media event. He pointed out that without the media, there would be no sports and called on stakeholders to support members of SWAN to thrive.
The Role of Sports Journalism
During the training, the guest lecturer Pastor Dan Amasigha spoke on the theme: “From Headlines to Nation-building: Using Sports Journalism as a Tool for Development, Unity and Social Change.” He highlighted the enormous work of reporting sports in the state.
The former SWAN Chairman and Sole Administrator of Niger state noted that the role of Sports Journalists has expanded in the 21st century. He emphasized that sports is now used as an instrument of social cohesion to drive social change.
“Sports is a tool for shaping public opinion, promoting national value, stimulating economic growth, building global image and exposing corruption among others,” he declared.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Grassroot Sports Department marks a pivotal moment in the development of sports in Niger State. With the support of various stakeholders, including the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and media organizations, the state is poised to nurture future sporting stars and contribute to Nigeria’s global sporting achievements.
