Federation Hails Minister Over Grassroot Sports Dev

The Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) last Monday commended the Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, for his efforts toward the development of sports at the grassroots.

President of the federation, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen  in Lagos.

Mohammed said that the minister had keen interest in the development of grassroots sports and school children.

He said that this would encourage the children to remain focused on their studies and vocation as sports men and women

“Actually, with the coming of the new minister now, honestly, good relationship is being developed and we at the Nigeria School Sports Federation are highly encouraged by the Minister, Malam Abdullahi Bolaji.

“For instance, you can see him now physically present with us, of which none of the past ministers recognised school sports.

“They only talk of sports at the national level, neglecting grassroots sports, but with the present administration, we can see something practically being done.

“At least, the presence of the minister will surely encourage us and encourage the children.

“Look at the children shaking hands with the minister of sports and that is marvelous, you know this will go into the history of these children and that is what we want in the schools, motivation by the elders.

“Now, they have seen their minister, not even the commissioner, minister shaking hands with them means a lot.”

It will be recalled that the just concluded 15th edition of the NNPC/SHELL Cup finals attended by the minister, is an initiative of the NSSF for the development of football at the grassroots

The final of the competition was held on March 24 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

It will also be recalled that Purple Crown College, Enugu defeated Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja 1-0 to win the 2013 NNPC/SHELL Cup.