The Katsina State Government says it will launch the Malam Dikko Umaru Radda Inter-Ward Football Tournament on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as part of efforts to promote grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Engr. Surajo Yazeed Abukur, PhD, disclosed this during a press briefing in Katsina.
He explained that the tournament, approved by the State Executive Council at its 16th meeting, would cover all 361 wards across the state.
According to the Commissioner, the competition is aimed at discovering hidden football talents, promoting discipline and teamwork, strengthening community unity, and creating opportunities for young players to advance to professional football.
He said the matches would be organised in stages using group and knockout formats, with accessible hosting centres to minimise travelling for participating teams.
Hon. Abukur added that outstanding players would have opportunities for further training, scouting and participation in football development programmes.
The Commissioner noted that the initiative complements Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to sports development, including plans to upgrade Charanchi Township Stadium and develop FIFA-standard synthetic football pitches in Malumfashi and Funtua.
He announced that the tournament would be officially flagged off at four o’clock in the afternoon at Funtua Township Stadium, Funtua, on the same day the Governor is scheduled to flag off his campaign activities in the town.
The Commissioner called on football enthusiasts, youth organisations, sports associations, community leaders and members of the public to attend and support the initiative.
