Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has approved the construction of a new football stadium in Jahun and the rehabilitation of the Hadejia Township Stadium as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development and nurture young football talents….
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has approved the construction of a new football stadium in Jahun and the rehabilitation of the Hadejia Township Stadium as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development and nurture young football talents.
The governor announced the projects during the finals of the Hadejia Local Government Inter-Ward Football Competition held at the Hadejia Township Stadium.
In the final, GRA Ward defeated Sabon Gari Ward 1-0 to emerge champions, while in Jahun, Golden Boys Jahun edged Zaragoza FC 1-0 to win the title in a tournament that featured about 45 clubs.
Governor Namadi described football as a powerful platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment and community unity, urging young people to embrace the sport as a pathway to better opportunities.
He said his administration remained committed to grassroots sports development, noting that competitions at ward and local government levels were already helping to identify promising players across the state.
The governor pointed to the success of the Jigawa Junior Golden Stars, now competing in the Nigeria Nationwide League One with predominantly indigenous players, as evidence that the state’s grassroots football development strategy was yielding results.
Namadi directed the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture to complete the renovation of the Hadejia Township Stadium within six months and approved the construction of a modern stadium in Jahun to provide improved facilities for training and competitions.
Representing the governor in Jahun, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Usman Muhammad Ruwan Dawa, said sports remained an effective tool for positively engaging youths, reducing crime, promoting healthy living and stimulating local economic activities.
The football tournaments, sponsored by the Accountant General of Jigawa State, Abdullahi Shehu, and the Special Adviser on Security Matters, attracted teams from wards across Hadejia and Jahun Local Government Areas, with winners receiving trophies, medals and other prizes.
The planned stadium projects are expected to enhance sporting infrastructure in Jigawa State and create more opportunities for young athletes to progress from grassroots competitions to higher levels of the game.
