Nasarawa State government has endorsed Mr. Jibril Saidu, a Board Member of the Nigeria Handball Federation, in his presidential aspirations.
This development came about when Saidu paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, in Lafia.
The endorsement which aligns with the state’s tradition of supporting its own in various endeavors could be a significant boost to his presidential ambitions.
The Commissioner, Hon Yakubu who expressed delight in receiving the presidential candidate disclosed that Nasarawa State is impressed with the numerous achievements and contributions of Mr. Jibril Saidu to the growth and development of Handball in the State.
“I started hearing about your great contributions to our State and its athletes many months ago.
“It’s people like you we want at the helm of affairs of our sports because we are confident that you will add great value in all spheres of our sports.
“Nasarawa State is your home, and we haven’t received any negative reports about you.
“Nigeria is a sports-loving country and its citizens are so passionate about this, regardless of any differences.
“As you seek to ascend the highest position in the country’s Handball family, rest assured of our full backing to enable you succeed at the election, not only because we are brothers from the North Central Zone, but because you are well-grounded in the knowledge of the game.
“We will also extend our campaign for you to our neighbouring States and those stakeholders we are close to, to garner more support for you because a win for you is a win for the Handball Federation of Nigeria and by extension, Nasarawa State.
“Like our Principal, Governor Abdullahi Sule, we believe in your ability to drive growth and development in the sports sector, and we wish you all the best in the task ahead”, Kwanta concluded.
Earlier, the presidential candidate, Jibril Saidu, stated that he and his colleagues decided to embark on the courtesy visit to familiarize themselves with the Commissioner and Government of Nasarawa State.
“We went to Makurdi, Benue State, for the burial of one of our late coaches.
“The last time I visited the Ministry here, I was unable to meet with you and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, due to your tight schedules. But I am glad to meet both of you today as well as the Director of Administration and Supplies, Ms Helen Ken Madaki.
“Nasarawa State is my second home and catchment area as it supported my emergence as North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Handball Federation in 2021.
“We have been able to do our best to support the growth and development of Handball in the Zone.
“We will continue to support Nasarawa State because it’s strategic for us.
“I am here again to seek your support to enable me emerge President of the Nigeria Handball Federation, having garnered enough experiences as Secretary General of the Commonwealth Nations’ Handball Association.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the game of Handball is revived and gets an upper hand in the country, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Your backing will be great for me to emerge victorious at the polls.
“Let me put on record that Nasarawa will enjoy massive infrastructural and sporting developments under my presidency”, Jibril promised.
Mr. Jibril is also the Chairman of the Kogi State Handball Association.
The National Sports Federations’ elections hold in September, 2025.
