Commends Victories Promises Greater Sports Development Support
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has celebrated the athletes who represented the state in recent Fives, Judo, and Traditional Boxing tournaments, describing them as heroes whose hard work and commitment have brought pride and honour to Katsina State.
Governor Radda expressed joy while receiving the champions at Government House, Katsina, yesterday in a colourful medal and trophy presentation led by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari.
The Governor thanked Almighty Allah for blessing the state with talented youths who continue to excel in sporting activities and raise Katsina’s name across Nigeria.
“Alhamdulillah, we are happy to welcome you,” Governor Radda said. “Your courage and dedication are bringing results, and this encourages us to keep supporting you. Remain determined and continue to bring honour to our dear state.”
He praised the Fives team for their exceptional performance and for putting Katsina on the national sports map, commended the Judo and Traditional Boxing athletes for their strong outings, and urged all sportsmen and women to remain focused and aim even higher.
Governor Radda expressed happiness over the numerous trophies and medals won, stressing that under his watch, the image of Katsina would always be protected and uplifted across all sectors. “Katsina people excel in every aspect of life – from leadership to scholarship, both Islamic and Western education, and even in games and sporting activities,” he said.
The Governor urged Polo clubs and the entire Polo community in the state to brace up and sustain the proud Polo legacy of the late Emir Muhammadu Dikko. He assured them that his government is ready to support every effort aimed at restoring Katsina’s glory days in the sport.
Governor Radda also stated that the government will look into sponsoring the Katsina Fives team to participate in the upcoming International Fives Tournament in England – an opportunity he said would showcase Katsina’s talent on the global stage.
He reaffirmed that his administration has introduced several programmes and policies to develop sports and called on all stakeholders to work together to achieve these objectives.
He added that the requests made by the three associations will be carefully looked into, assuring them that the government will continue to explore ways to support sports development and maintain Katsina State’s leading image within and outside the country.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari, presented the victorious teams and their trophies to the Governor. He highlighted their recent achievements, including medals won in Nasarawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Ogun, and Delta States, and praised Governor Radda and stakeholders for their consistent support toward sports development in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Fives Association, Alhaji Mannir Ibrahim Talba, appealed to the state government to sponsor their planned trip to England, noting that the invitation came from their English counterparts. He briefed the Governor on the team’s exploits, including winning the prestigious Sardauna Cup and Emir of Gwandu Cup at national tournaments.
Talba also commended Dr. Mustafa Shehu for constructing 65 standard Fives pitches under the AGILE project, which he said has transformed the sport in Katsina. He assured that the athletes remain fully committed to making the state proud in all competitions.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of the trophies and medals to the Governor by the athletes and officials.
Those in attendance included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Special Adviser on Youth Development, Alhaji Abubakar Soja Tsanni; and officials of the three associations.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
4th September, 2025
