From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Nasarawa State government is to partner the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) promoting sporting activities in the state.
The Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Othman Bala Adam gave the assurance recently when he received the state officials of NUJ who paid him a courtesy call in his office in Lafia.
According to him, it has become necessary for government to partner the media, towards the development of all the sectors of the economy, including sports, adding that only the press has the means to project and showcase the sporting activities within the state and the country at large.
Bala Adam, further stated that the state government, through his ministry was set to roll-out a variety of sporting activities, especially at the grassroot, to hunt for talents among youths of the state.
He revealed that the administration of governor Abdullahi Sule would give priority to the welfare of athletes, to ensure optimal performance and result. “I would ensure that no athlete is short-changed under my watch, because during my active days as an athlete, I had personal experience on sporting administration. “So, we would give the welfare of athletes in the state the attention it deserves, to ensure that athletes are encouraged to reach the height of their career,” the Commissioner added.
He also expressed satisfaction with the current first position of Nasarawa United Football Club on the table of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), while assuring that government would continue to give the needed support to sustain their performance until the end of the season.
The Commissioner, therefore, promised to support the union to complete the NUJ chalets, a project initiated by the present leadership of the state council of the union.
Earlier, the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Salihu Alkali, commended the commissioner for his commitment to work entrusted unto him and the achievements recorded so far in the ministry.
He assured him and indeed the state government, of the support of journalists, in promoting the state, adding that journalists would always ensure balance in their stories before publication, for the growth and development of the state.
