The Gombe State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Inuwa Adamu Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to leveraging sporting activities to steer youths away from restiveness. The Commissioner made this known during a visit from the State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) executives, led by Chairman Mr. Mark Nuhu Malele, to the Commissioner’s office.
Commissioner Ibrahim emphasized the crucial role of sports in diverting youths from negative behaviors such as drug abuse, cultism, and gangsterism, particularly the Kalare group, as well as other criminal activities. He highlighted that the administration under Governor Inuwa Yahaya is determined to leave no stone unturned in engaging the youth positively through sports.
In his pledge, the Commissioner committed to collaborating with the Gombe State Chapter of SWAN to promote sporting activities, especially at the grassroots level. “We need SWAN to help us improve our sports, and I assure you that we will carry your members along. I want you to be part of my journey in this ministry,” he stated.
SWAN Chairman Mr. Mark Nuhu Malele, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his support during the association’s recent election and inauguration, where he was represented by his Permanent Secretary. Mr. Malele assured the Commissioner of SWAN’s readiness to work closely with the ministry in promoting sporting activities in the state, particularly at the grassroots level.
He commended the Commissioner for the successes achieved by the ministry so far and pledged to further elevate Gombe State’s profile in the national sports arena. “All we need is for you to involve us in your sporting activities,” Mr. Malele stressed.
The visit underscored the mutual commitment between the ministry and SWAN to harness the power of sports in youth development and societal betterment.
