Gov Bala Ask Nigerian League To Promote Fairness, Inclusiveness In Operations
By Khalid Idris Doya
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi has enjoyed the Nigerian National League (NNL) to continue promoting fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in its operations.
The Governor said that it is essential also to give a level playing field for all participating clubs, regardless of their size or resources, aimed at not only fostering healthy competition, but also strengthen the credibility of the League, while encouraging the growth of football at the grassroots.
Senator Bala Mohammed who made the plea at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian National League opened in Bauchi yesterday, expressed confidence that the deliberations and resolutions from this meeting will pave the way for a brighter and more successful Nigerian National League.
Represented by his deputy, Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, the governor commended the leadership of the Nigerian National League for its commitment to excellence and for continuously striving to uphold the standards of football in our nation.
He described the NNL as the pillar of grassroots football, fostering local talents and ensuring that the spirit of competition remains vibrant across all regions, saying “It is on this that my administration prioritized investments in sporting infrastructure and the promotion of youth participation in various sporting activities”.
Governor Bala recalled that his administration has since coming on board in 2019 remained committed to supporting sports activities by creating an enabling environment for youth engagement through football and other sporting exercises.
“We believe that a well-structured and fair football league system can serve as a tool for unity, social integration, and youth empowerment. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian National League to remain steadfast in upholding the values of integrity and sportsmanship in all its dealings”, he said.
He explained that the event is not only a testament to the importance of the Nigerian National League in nurturing talents and promoting football at the grassroots level, but is a reminder of the unifying power of sports in our country.
The Governor stated that Bauchi is proud to host such an important meeting that brings together key drivers of the second-tier league, which has over the years, contributed immensely to the development of Nigerian football.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Mr. George Aluo appealed to corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to Partner/Sponsor the League in order to achieve the desired goal.
The Chairman also assured of the league’s commitment to provide level playing ground for all the teams in the 2024/2025 league season, and solicited for the understanding and the total cooperation of all Club Presidents and Football Stakeholders in order to smoothly prosecute the 2024/2025 League season.”
“While the Board of the Nigeria National League is committed to providing a level playing ground for all the teams, we call on you to embrace the obvious reforms going on in the league system with an open mind.”
Aluo expressed delight that the NNL Board within one year of its inauguration succeeded in changing the face of the League as can be attested by all within and outside the Country.
He added, “While we are delighted with these feedbacks we are getting, as a board, we want to take it to the next level by consolidating on the gains of the 2023/2024 league season”.
The NNL Board Chairman then commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alh. Ibrahim Gusau for his continuous support, advice and guidance.
“No doubt, the overall standard of the League ranging from officiating, attitudinal behavior to the league operations has improved tremendously, We do hope this would be replicated in the 2024/2025 League season”, Aluo concluded.
