…fmr Nigeria’s number 1 Squash player emerges first female Squash Association chairman
MINNA – As part of measures to end woeful outings in national and international sporting events, reposition sports sector for more results oriented, Niger state government has inaugurated chairmen and members of 32 sports associations, including Squash.
Former Nigeria’s number one female Squash player, Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye have been sworn-in as the first female chairman of the Niger State Squash Association (NSSA), an affiliate of the Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF).
Inaugurating the associations at the Abdulsalam Youths centre, Minna, state Commissioner for Youth and Sports development, Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka encouraged the Chairmen and members of the various associations to embrace their roles with dedication and passion in order to change the narratives in the state’s sports sector.
Gulbin-Boka told the gathering of sports men and women, retired or still active in sports that the ministry cannot change or reposition the sports sector without the support and inputs from key stakeholders.
The Commissioner told the chairmen and members of the various sports associations that they were selected based on their track records in supporting the growth and development of sports in Niger state.
“Today, we bring together result oriented men and women with high integrity and capacity to work with the state government to harness sporting potentials that abound at the Local and state level”.
Gulbin-Boka reminded the association members that the state government is not unaware of the fact that the power of sports is to amongst others; elevate the sporting profile of Niger state, empower the youths, and as well foster unity of purpose within existing communities.
“As we inaugurate these associations today, we must ensure that sports are accessible to all youths in the state, regardless of their background, gender or abilities. Your mandate will include, creating programs for both able-bodied and physically challenged athletes”.
While underscoring the importance of physical fitness and mental health through sports, the Commissioner stressed the need for the associations to encourage and promote regular physical health initiatives that are crucial for healthy lifestyles.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman Niger State House of Assembly committee on Sports, Hon. Zakari Ndagi Kinbokun and the state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Tanko Beji regretted that Niger state used to home of sports, especially handball, football, squash, basketball, hockey and volleyball, but that the glory were long gone.
While commending the Governor Umar Bago led administration for attempts to change the narratives, the two personalities who encouraged youths in the state to take advantage of the focus in sports in order to better their lives charged the newly inaugurated sports associations to be committed towards the task of bringing back the lost glory of sports.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports, Nuhu Garba Ngaski said the event marks a renewed commitment to enhancing sports development in the state.
Ngaski challenged all the sporting associations to be proactive by ensuring that the state athletes receive top-notch guidance, mentorship and support through collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate entities for desired positive impact.
DAILY INDEPENDENT Correspondent, who is also a member of the newly inaugurated Squash family, reports that Taiwo Akinkoye, Nigeria’s former number one seed player, who played for Niger state is the first female chairman of the NSSA.
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