…..As Gombe LGA Lifts Trophy
In a show of exemplary motivation and commitment to youths and sports development, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, earlier today, led government officials, political leaders and sports enthusiasts to watch the final march of the Dan Majen Gombe Football Competition played between Billiri LGA and Gombe LGA teams.
According to a press release on Monday, 3rd October 2022 signed by the DG (Press Affairs) Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he said that the final match, held at the Pantami Stadium, followed months of preliminary and elimination stages of the tournament that involved all the 114 wards across the 11 local government areas of the state.
Bolari ward of Gombe LGA beat Bare Ward of Billiri LGA in a penalty shoot-out after a 1- 1 draw to lift the trophy.
The match witnessed a display of talent and physicality by both sides throughout the 90 minutes duration to the admiration of the spectators.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who described sport as a key factor that engenders unity and cohesion, assured that his administration will continue to support healthy competitions of this nature that will bring youths together to promote peace, stability and understanding among the diverse people of the State.
He used the occasion to congratulate Doma United for joining the Nigeria Football Professional League (NFPL) this year, noting that Gombe has now become a hub of football with two premier league sides and many teams playing National competitions.
“Remember When we came on board Gombe United was in the nationwide League status but upon our intervention, they got promoted back to Premier League and thankfully we now have Doma United joining them in the apex league making Gombe as the only state with 2 premier league teams in the North-East Sub-region; therefore we will continue to do our best to make sure football and other sporting activities are supported and motivated for improved performance”
He also commended the Chairman and members of the Gombe State Sports Commission and all those who contributed to the success of the tournament.
The Governor announced a total donation of 10 million naira, with the winners carting away 1.2 million Naira, runners-up 1 million Naira and the 3rd placed team getting 750 thousand Naira. Other participating teams from the LGAs were not left out as the Governor splashed them with 500 thousand Naira each. Match officials, LOC members and others also benefitted from the Governor’s benevolence.
There were awards of recognition and appreciation to some government functionaries and members of the business community for their support of the success of the competition.
Dignitaries at the stadium included the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service, Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners, Special Advisers, local government chairmen, Mai Tangle, Malam Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba among others.
