Nathaniel Mobolade.
The Administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is using sport as a Catalyst for youths engagement and creating employment to end restlessness and crimes.
This was reiterated by the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon.Ubandoma Laven at the Shendam Mini Stadium, venue of the 2024 Governor’s Cup final between Shendam and Jos North Local Governments.
Hon Laven while delivering the message of the Governor, praised the level of organisation by the Plateau Football Association, led by Hon.Dr Suleiman Kwande, from the preliminaries to the finals, as he said the government will continue to support the FA in engaging in grassroot competitions to engage the Youths.
“the goal of this Administration led by His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, is to use sports as a Catalyst of engaging the Youths positively, make them happy and keep them away from social vices. I am happy that the PFA has also keyed into the mantra of ‘Time Is Now’ to engage the Youths in myriads of competitions all year round”.
The Commissioner thereafter congratulated Jos North for winning the the trophy.
In his reaction to www.ssimedia247.com.ng, former Governor of the State,who is also a former Minister of Labour and Employment and presently the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Rt Hon, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, expressed his excitement for the revamped Governor’s Cup and the hosting of the final in Shendam LG, which was won by Jos North who defeated the home team but that does not take the beauty and excitement of the game away.That Shendam will definitely win the next edition with what he has seen in the players which reminds him of his own playing days.
Sen. Lalong said ” I am super excited for the revamped Governor’s Cup by the PFA, that’s the reason I decided to come watch and cheer both teams. As you can see, there are lots of players ready to be unleashed to the football World from here very soon. Though my home team lost but the winners are also mine, so it’s a win for all,congratulations to Jos North and her chairman, Barrister JK Chris, we’ll come for the cup next time”
The former Governor also commended the Shendam LG chairman, Hon Kemi Nshe for the upgrade and ongoing work on the mini stadium as he equally gave kudos for the FA board of Dr. Suleiman Kwande, for the great job of organising many grassroots competitions.
On his own the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Noel Nkup, also congratulated the Jos North team for winning this year’s edition and reiterated the Governor’s resolution to take sports from mere entertainment to investment and an avenue of developing and engaging youths positively. That sports is one of the Cardinal Objectives of the Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to take the Youths off social vices which the the youths have also keyed into by participating in the competition with excitement.
Hon Nkup, said “the time is now ripe for sports to be seen as investment and not entertainment and pleasure again as the administration is using sports to create employment and make Plateau State a hub of sporting activities once again. The Governor is poised in upgrading the stadia in jos and other facilities in Local Government areas to unearth talents and leverage on the climate weather of the state”.
The Commissioner further spoke on the position of Plateau United in the current NPFL season, as he assured that the situation is just temporary as the government is doing everything to make the team escape relegation and the players and management on their own too have resolved to get the required points to stay afloat.
While congratulating Jos North for emerging the winners of the 2024 Plateau State Governor’s Cup, Hon Chairman of Shendam Local Government and host of the final, Hon.Dr. Kemi Nshe, said “in every competition, a winner must emerge and Jos North are the champions of this year’s edition, our players were unlucky as they were denied by the woodwork many times, that’s to show that it was not our day but next time we’ll definitely lift the trophy as our boys will be kept together, give them stipends as engaged players to prepare them for future”.
On facilities, Hon Nshe, maintained that many sporting facilities are been upgraded not only football stadium, basketball court is receiving attention, swimming pools are being built and other facilities.
Delivering his appreciation, the PFA Chairman, Hon Dr. Suleiman Kwande, expressed his gratitude to God for the success of this year’s edition of the Governor’s Cup without any casualty. He also commended the Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang for the immense support throughout the competition, Chairman National Sports Commission, Dr Shehu Dikko, NFF President, Dr Ibrahim Gusau, his board members for the tireless job, Local Government chairmen, who made sure their teams participated, partners and the winners, Jos North, silver medalists, Shendam and the bronze medal winners Mikang LG’s for the wonderful display of camaraderie on and off the pitch of play, the media and fans.
Hon Kwande assured that the next edition will be greater.
It would be recalled that Mikang defeated Jos South 1-0 via a Merpring Chigdi’s 52 min freekick in the 3rd Placed match to win the bronze medal and Jos North, who were the silver medalists in the last edition defeated Shendam LG by a lone goal scored by Francis Izang from a corner kick which sailed into the net with Abdulsalam Shitnaan in goal for Shendam having no answer to it.
Outstanding players of the tournament were recognised as Obed Luka of Jos South emerged the Highest goal scorer, Nasiru Muazu of Jos North as the best Goalkeeper, Longwap Darko of Shendam as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and coach Sani Muhammad of Jos North as the best coach.
