By Joseph Edegbo
Kaduna, (Nigeria) – Senate President, Bukola Saraki says a bill for the establishment of the University of Sports in Nigeria has passed the first reading in the Senate.
Similarly, the bill for the setting up of the National Youth Development Commission has also passed the second reading in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
The Senate President announced this in Kaduna, northwest of the country on Thursday while unveiling the Management Team of Kada Club and Football Academy at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba, the Senate President said, when the bills were passed, all the challenges hindering sports development in the country would be squarely addressed.
Bukola assured Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, sponsor and initiator of the program of the Senate’s readiness to provide him with all technical, legal and institutional framework for the success of the initiative.
The Senate President described football as a very important instrument for youth development, noting that Nigeria is endowed with talented youth.
He explained that one of the most effective ways of harnessing these, is by encouraging them through grassroot sporting activities.
Bukola said the 8th Assembly realised the role sports play on youth development in the country and therefore commended Senator Hunkuyi for taking the lead.
“I have no doubt that within the shortest possible time, this football club/Academy would produce the likes of Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Jay Jay Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, KANU Nwankwo, Rasheed Yekini and so on “, he said.
The event was attended by among other dignitaries, former NFA President, Tijjani Yusuf, and immediate past President of Nigerian Football Federation, Aminu Maigari.
In a football match to entertain the guests and other sports enthusiasts who thronged the stadium, Kada City beat Shekarau Babes football club of Kano by 3 – 0.
