By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has been decorated with the Award of Federal Education Sector Games (FEDUGAM), ‘Special Goodwill Ambassador.’
The award was bestowed on the Governor by the organisers of the annual sports fiesta that got underway in Bauchi on Tuesday, for the warm reception accorded the delegates since they arrived the state.
While declaring the games opened, the Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Aminu Gamawa said that his administration’s quest to uplift education and sporting activities is evident with the recent hosting of the first State Sports Festival and Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition.
Bala Mohammed acknowledged the role of sports in bringing about unity, friendship and synergy, calling on the participants to use the opportunity to build networks and explore the tourism sites in the state.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the national and sub national levels to use Sports as a source of economic empowerment towards improving the livelihood of Young and Senior Citizens for nation building.
Dr Yusuf Sununu represented by the Director ICT in the Ministry, Alhaji Isa Abubakar said that sports has become a viable economic empowerment tool as well as a bridge for peace building and conflict resolution, hence the need to embrace it for the benefit of both young and older people.
While thanking the government of Bauchi State for hosting the event and providing financial support, the Minister encouraged wider participation among agencies so as to attract corporate sponsors for the games in future.
Earlier, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr Jamila Dahiru mentioned appreciated all stakeholders for their effort towards hosting of the event and assured of continued support to the Federal Education Sector Games for unity and development of the nation.
In a remark, the Chairman, Federal Education Sector Games, (FEDUGAM), Steering Committee and Director Human Resources Federal Ministry of Education, Omotayo Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the state government, JAMB, NECO, NUC and UBEC for their financial support in the face of present economic realities.
The Annual event saw Twenty three agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education in attendance and participation.