As the country’s foremost grassroots football body, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), rolls out the drums to celebrate 55 years of its existence, its President, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna has taken the opportunity to commend the vision of the founding fathers and sponsors.
He said the body since its formation on April 6, 1965 has blazed the trail in grassroots sports development in the country.
In a statement at the weekend, Gawuna paid tributes to its former presidents, Alhaji G. N Hamza, Prince Dokun Abidoye and Alhaji Jamiu Tunde Ojulari, of blessed memory, as well as the pioneer secretary general, the late Tony Eke and his successor, Mallam Isa Idris. He also praised the former PRO, late Ben Ekpo for their efforts in nurturing the Federation.
Gawuna, who also doubles as Deputy Governor of Kano State, said the federation would celebrate the anniversary on a low key because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He advised all state chapters and Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap and running water, use sanitizers as well as observe social distancing as a way of fighting the deadly virus, while promising that YSFON’s programmes would return after the coronavirus scourge.
The YSFON boss also full praised the late Pillar of Sports in Africa, Chief M.K.O Abiola for his massive financial support to YSFON during his lifetime, noting that he single handedly sponsored the Ramat Cup from inception to his death.
Gawuna said that the body would never forget Abiola’s contributions to sports development not only in the country but the entire African continent, especially at the grassroots.
Also speaking on the 55 years anniversary, Secretary General of the Federation, Patrick Okpavuerhe said the body had come of age just as he expressed gratitude to all their sponsors such as Kano and Katsina State governments and the Nigerian Navy, as well other sponsors who have contributed to its success.
