SWAN Kano Chapter, calls on the State Government to urgently declare a state of emergency in the sports sector to pave way for comprehensive reforms.
This was issued in a press statement by the Chairman, SWAN Kano State Chapter Zahradeen Saleh.
He said that these reforms, if driven with genuine political will, will have the potentials to attract meaningful investments that can address the longstanding challenges crippling sports development in the state.
Sports in Kano is currently at a critical crossroads. Inadequate funding, the near-total absence of modern sporting facilities, outdated or non-existent governance structures, lack of sponsorship and a shortage of qualified professionals, especially in coaching, have severely hindered its progress.
The sector continue to suffer from limited access to resources, and the meagre that is available is often not judiciously utilized, leaving aspiring athletes and sports administrators frustrated and non productive .
In the wake of the tragic incident involving the loss of athletes, coaches, and officials, the heroes who brought honor to Kano State after their outstanding performance at the Gateway Games in Abeokuta, the need for reform and recognition becomes even more urgent.
These individuals wrote the name of the state in gold and died in the line of duty, serving the state with distinction and pride.
SWAN calls 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. Such a gesture would not only pay tribute to their heroism but 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 athletes.
Many of these victims have left behind nursing mothers, school-age children and elderly parents. The government must rise to the occasion by providing scholarships, educational grants and economic support packages to relieve the burdens now placed on these grieving families.
SWAN also emphasizes the importance of high-level government presence at national sports events.
The physical presence of top officials serves as a strong morale booster for athletes representing the state and affirms the government’s commitment to sports.
Moreover, the state must not only offer financial relief to the families of the deceased but also preserve their legacy in ways that will motivate others to serve and represent Kano with pride.
We also call on the state government to take immediate steps to reposition Kano Pillars Football Club, one of the most iconic sports institutions in Nigeria.
The club deserves every effort necessary to restore it to its former glory, and doing so will strengthen the entire sports ecosystem in the state.
While we highlight these concerns, we also commend the Kano State Government for the timely release of funds to support the contingent that participated in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This positive action must now be expanded into a broader, long-term commitment to rebuild and rebrand sports in Kano.
