Kwara state government has again, reiterated it’s commitment towards the development and empowerment of youths through sports, even as it also reminded the private sector that it has a huge role to play in complementing the efforts of the government.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji made this known during a reception for Kwara United Handball team to the just concluded Division One Handball playoff in Benin, Edo state yesterday, at the Conference Room of the Commission.
While charging the players on commitment, he assured that the government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will continue to support the course of sports development, while hoping for aggressive private sector support, adding that government alone cannot shoulder the tremendous responsibilities.
He commended Mrs Yemisi Monisola Makanjuola of MoniMak Global Foundation for facilitating the participation of Kwara team, and for receiving the team.
The team came 5th overall in the playoff, and also won the Fair Play trophy, which Mallam Bola Mogaji described as a symbol of the team been good ambassadors of the state at the competition.
Also speaking at the reception, the Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Commission, Hon Femi Yusuf commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Commission for encouraging and sustaining an atmosphere that guarantees meaningful development of youths through sports.
The facilitator, Mrs Yemisi Monisola Makanjuola said that the reception was to encourage the players, even as she charged them to make career out of the game. She also thanked other partners, especially, Mr. Jide Ojomu, for his support.
Mrs Aina Ogun and Mr Femi Robert, both former handball players called for more support for the team, even as they also charged the Commission to engage the players through employment and other means, which will make them for committed and responsible.
Mr Robert, who played Handball World Cup in his playing days Captained Kwara team for ten years, while Mrs Aina, who later warned the athletes against drug use, started playing the game from school, and was still in school when she was offered employment.
Also, Prince Allen Gbenga Ogundele disclosed that Kwara will enjoy international collaboration for handball development, through Kwarans in the Diaspora and other channels.
The Coach of the team, Emeka Joseph, and the Captain, AbdulGaniyu Habib thanked government, the Commission and Mrs Yemisi Monisola Makanjuola for the support and encouragement, pledging commitment to the state.
