Creation of Functional Sports Commission, Game Changer for Niger Sports Sector – Hon Masu
The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Hon. Ambassador Danjuma Abdul Masu, has described the establishment and functionality of the Commission by Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as one of the most impactful decisions that has transformed the sports sector in the state under the present administration.
Speaking during an exclusive interview to mark the third anniversary of the Farmer Governor Umar Bago administration, Hon. Masu noted that while achievements in governance are often assessed periodically, the real measure of leadership lies in daily visible and invisible impacts.
He emphasized that the Governor’s political will to not only create the Commission but ensure its effective operation has repositioned sports development in Niger State.
According to him, “One of the best things that has happened to sports in Niger State is the creation of this Commission and making it functional. It is one thing to establish a structure, but another to make it work, and that is exactly what the Governor has done.”
Hon. Masu disclosed that within just seven months of his leadership, the Commission has recorded remarkable strides, driven by teamwork and a commitment to inclusive administration.
He said one of his first assignments was leading the state contingent to the National Youth Games in Asaba, where Team Niger won six gold medals, signaling a new beginning for sports in the state.
He further highlighted the revival of several dormant sports, some of which had been inactive for over a decade. These include volleyball, which has returned to national league competitions, and basketball, with Niger Potters regaining promotion to the Premier League after years of absence.
He also pointed to breakthroughs in emerging sports such as beach soccer, where the state qualified for the Super Four, as well as wrestling, which yielded a bronze medal after nearly 20 years of inactivity.
The Chairman added that the Commission has ensured active participation in multiple national competitions across disciplines including handball, taekwondo, karate, and age-grade championships, where the state excelled by emerging overall winners in the Under-12 and Under-15 categories of handball.
In a bid to strengthen grassroots development, Hon. Masu revealed that a dedicated department has been created within the Commission to focus solely on talent discovery and nurturing. He also announced plans to revive the Niger State Secondary School Games, which has not been held in over three decades, describing it as a critical step towards building a sustainable sports pipeline.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with both public and private stakeholders, noting that sports development should not be left to government alone. He called on private investors and corporate bodies to partner with the Commission in sponsoring competitions and developing facilities, adding that sports remains a viable business sector with significant economic potential.
Hon. Masu also disclosed plans to launch a state sports academy, with pilot programmes in basketball, football, handball, and volleyball, alongside efforts to introduce innovative sports such as motorcycle racing tailored to local realities.
While acknowledging funding challenges, he expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would soon reposition Niger State as a leading force in Nigerian sports. “We are laying the foundation for a total revival. With time, support, and consistency, Niger State will reclaim its rightful place in sports development,” he said.
