FEPSGA Games: Kano Sports Commission boss to inspect facilities

The Executive Chairman, Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Babangida, is expected to lead top government officials to inspect facilities on Monday ahead of the 45th annual Public Service Games scheduled to hold in Kano from Oct. 6 to Oct. 16.

More than 8,000 participants from 80 federal agencies across the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to converge on Kano for the championships.

The Kano State Government secured the hosting rights as part of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to sustaining cordial relations between workers and the government, as well as promoting their health through sports.

Babangida said the inspection of the facilities was part of the commission’s commitment to ensuring the successful and hitch-free hosting of the games.

He appreciated Gov. Yusuf for his commitment and unflinching support for sports development, assuring that all stakeholders would work together to project the good image of the “Pyramids City” during the championships.

“We are working closely with the Office of the State Head of Service to actualise the set objectives,” Babangida said.

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has urged the Kano State Government to urgently release funds to the State Sports Commission and other relevant sports bodies to revive sports development in the state.

The association made the call in a statement issued by its Secretary, Muhammad Nur Tijani, expressing concern over challenges affecting sports development, particularly delays in the release of funds for athletes’ preparations and participation in major competitions.

Kano SWAN said timely funding remained critical to the success of athletes and teams representing the state, noting that inadequate financial support had negatively affected preparations and performances in various sporting events.

The association said the delay in releasing funds to the Kano Pillars Basketball team contributed to challenges faced during the recently concluded Final Eight Premier Basketball Championship in Port Harcourt, where the team finished sixth.

It also expressed concern over the preparedness of Kano athletes for the EKO 2026 National Intermediate Games, saying that although the athletes were currently training, urgent financial support was needed to ensure effective participation.

Kano SWAN warned that failure to provide the necessary resources on time could affect the state’s participation and force some talented athletes to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The association recalled that Kano had a rich sporting history, producing outstanding athletes and teams that recorded successes at national and international competitions.

It, however, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of sports facilities, movement of athletes to other states in search of better opportunities, and the need to adequately recognise and motivate medal-winning athletes.

According to the association, sports has evolved into a major global business venture requiring sustained investment, proper planning and adequate support to achieve meaningful results.

Kano SWAN therefore urged the state government to prioritise sports development by releasing funds to the Sports Commission and other relevant agencies responsible for sports administration to restore Kano’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting states.

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Chairman of Kano State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Zahradeen Saleh, has been elected Vice President, North-West Zone of the association.

Saleh emerged unopposed during the 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of SWAN held in Kaduna on Friday.

The election brought to a close activities at the congress, which provided delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the opportunity to review the affairs of the association and elect new leaders for another three-year tenure.

Incumbent SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin , was returned for a second term after emerging unopposed.

Only two positions Deputy President at the national level and Vice President for the North-East Zone required voting.

In the contest for Deputy President, Nyong Bonny of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State.

For the North-East Vice President position, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated incumbent Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State.

The remaining positions were uncontested, making the election largely a ratification exercise.

Other national officers elected alongside Benjamin are Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General; Samuel Ahmadu, Deputy Secretary-General; Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde, Treasurer; and Ijeoma Nwante, Financial Secretary.

At the zonal level, Gangwaja will serve as Vice President, North-East; Saleh, Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, Vice President, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, Vice President, South-West.

Following the conclusion of the election, the newly elected executives were sworn into office by Ben Churchill Aniekwene.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Benjamin expressed appreciation to SWAN members for their confidence and pledged to prioritise members’ welfare.

“The welfare of our members will remain a priority for this administration,” Benjamin said.

He said the new leadership would continue to strengthen the association and ensure that members were better positioned to discharge their professional responsibilities.

Benjamin also called for unity among members, urging state chapters, zones and individual members to work together for the growth of the association.

He said the task ahead required collective efforts irrespective of individual choices during the election.

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