By Nurullahi Babangida
The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kano State Chapter has commended the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to develop Sports, urging him to declare a state of emergency on sports to further consolidate the gains of his administration.
Arising from an emergency meeting held on the 24th of June 2025, the SWAN leaders also called on the state government to take immediate steps to reposition Kano Pillars Football Club.
SWAN said in a statement signed by the chairman and secretary, Zaharadden Sale and Muhammad Nur respectively, said “Pillars is one of the most iconic sports institutions in Nigeria. The club deserves every support necessary to restore it to its former glory, and doing so will strengthen the entire sports ecosystem in the state.
This according to SWAN leaders would pave the way for a comprehensive reform in the sector, adding that, “if driven with genuine political will, such reforms will have the potentials to attract meaningful investments that can address the longstanding challenges crippling sports development in the state.
While reminiscing over ther the fatal incident that caused the death of athletes, coaches, and officials and other heroes who brought honour to Kano State, the leaders said recognition of their outstanding performance at the Gateway Games in Abeokuta, the need for reform and becomes even more urgent.
SWAN also cautioned that Sports in Kano State is currently at a critical crossroads, facing the challenges of inadequate funding, the near-total absence of modern sporting facilities, outdated or non-existent governance structures, lack of sponsorship, and a shortage of qualified professionals, especially in coaching, which are threatening sports development and its progress in the State.
The sector continue to suffer from limited access to resources, and the meagre that is made available by the government is often not judiciously utilized, leaving aspiring athletes and sports administrators frustrated and non productive , they added.
The statement further added that, victims of recent tragic accident had wrote the name of the state in gold and died in the line of duty while serving the state with distinction and pride.
SWAN therefore called on the state government to immortalize their memories by naming a major sports facility in their honor and instituting an annual sports event dedicated to their legacy, stressing that such gesture would serve as tribute to their heroism and also inspire a new generation of athletes.
We further appeal to the state government to provide immediate support to the bereaved families of the Kano 22. Many of these victims have left behind nursing mothers, school-age children, and elderly parents. The government should rise to the occasion by providing scholarships, educational grants, and economic support packages to support the grieving families.
SWAN also emphasizes the importance of high-level government presence at national sports events, pointing out that the physical presence of top officials would serve as a strong morale booster for athletes representing the state and affirms the government’s commitment to sports.