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*Professor Danladi Slim Matawal Champions Grassroots Sports Development with Community Mini-Stadium in Bokkos*
Retired civil engineering professor and sports enthusiast, Professor Danladi Slim Matawal, has revealed how his passion for sports and commitment to community development inspired the construction of a multi-sport mini-stadium and other public infrastructure projects in his hometown of Bokkos.
Motivated by childhood memories of playing football barefoot on hard, dusty grounds, the professor invested in transforming his former primary school into a modern sporting facility featuring football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, netball, handball, spectator stands, sanitation facilities, and improved school infrastructure.
Beyond sports, he also funded a potato market aimed at supporting local farmers and reducing post-harvest losses, underscoring his broader vision of community empowerment through sustainable development.
Speaking to www.ssimedia247.com.ng during a visit to the sports complex, by the Plateau State Football Association, headed by its Chairman, Hon(Dr) Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, in preparation for the 2025 Plateau State Governor’s Cup final, Professor Matawal explained that the project was born out of a desire to give back to the school and community that shaped his early years. He recalled how sporting activities and community celebrations often took place on dusty, poorly maintained grounds, conditions he believed limited opportunities for young people.
The facility, built and donated to the community, was designed not only to promote football but also to expose young people to a wider range of sporting disciplines. The project includes athletics facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, spectator stands, modern sanitation infrastructure, and dedicated spaces for women’s sports activities.
Despite significant personal investment, the professor noted that sustaining community projects remains a challenge due to maintenance costs and limited local ownership. Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction that the facility continues to serve young athletes and community members.
Professor Matawal also used the opportunity to encourage greater government and community support for grassroots sports development, expressing hope that Bokkos would one day produce national and international sporting talents.
“As a sports lover, my goal has always been to create opportunities for young people and contribute to the development of my community,” he said.
The initiative stands as a powerful example of how private citizens can help strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure while creating lasting social and economic impact in their communities.
