The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sani, has called on wealthy individuals to invest in youth engagement through sports competitions, noting that such initiatives help steer young people away from anti-social activities and contribute to community development.
The Emir made the call during the final of the 45th Silver Jubilee Anniversary Gala Soccer Competition held at the Gumel Township Stadium.
The tournament was sponsored by the Registrar of the Jigawa State College of Education, Alhaji Bala Isyaku, as part of activities marking the Emir’s anniversary celebration.
Represented by the Dan Masanin Gumel, Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim Idris, the Emir said empowering youths through regular sporting events would foster discipline, promote unity, and boost sports development at the local, state, and national levels.
“This is a very good gesture from Bala Isyaku’s committee. We really appreciate this,” he said.
“This is something that youth should be engaged in so that we can avoid other vices. We need this kind of event to be organized regularly so that the youth have something to do and stay off the streets.”
In their remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association, Barde Muhammad Zakar, and Alhaji Isa Surajo, commended organizers and described the championship as a huge success.
They pledged continued support for initiatives that promote sports and development in Jigawa State.
The sponsor of the tournament, Bala Isyaku, who is also the Registrar of the College of Education, Gumel, and a seasoned Match Commissioner in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), expressed satisfaction with the success of the event.
He described the Emir’s 45th anniversary as a blessing to the Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State at large.
He called on wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to partner with the state’s football association to strengthen sports development in the state and across the country.
In the final match, Jogging Football Club defeated Soccer Stars 5–4 in a penalty shootout.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of medals and trophies, as well as awards for Best Behaved Team, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Third Place Team (Maigatari FC).
The final attracted dignitaries from within and outside Jigawa State, including the Chairman of the Dala Hard Courts Organizing Committee, Alhaji Bashari Ahmad Gumel, and several traditional rulers.