From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Deputy Governor, Dr. Naairu Yusuf Gawuna has advocated for development and improvement of tennis sports in the country, calling on corporate Organizations and other stakeholders to invest hugely into the game so as to encourage youths to tap from the opportunities it derives.
Gawuna, a sports enthusiast, insisted that sponsorship in tennis sports will reduce unemployment and youth restiveness.
He passionately called on corporate organisations and other stakeholders to join hands with the organisers of the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship in creating lawn tennis clinics so as to discover young talents who will be Nigeria’s future stars in the game.
He spoke at the end of the 34th Dala Hard Court Championship held at the tennis section of the Kano Club.
Gawuna, however, expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the tournament for sustaining the tradition over the years,adding that Kano State Government is proud to be associated with the progress made by the competition.
He noted that the presence of the Minister Of Sports, Mr.Sunday Dare at the final of the event has added colour to the tournament, “infact it has shown the kind of love,passion and vision he has for sports development in the country.”
According to him, “since your appointment as the Sports Minister alot has been achieved in the Sports sector.
“I am hereby expressing our appreciation to you for giving Kano State the hosting right for the next National Youth Games.”
He assured of continued support of Kano State government, and lauded the excellent performance displayed by the players in tennis.
In his remarks, the Minister Of Youths and Sports, Mr.Sunday Dare said the mission of his ministry is not only to create an enabling environment but also to provide resources towards ensuring glorious future for the young talents.
He then said that the Dala Hard Court Tennis tournament even though it has long history but it became what it is today due to commitment and dedication from the organisers,adding that reminds him of Ogbe Hard Court Tennis competition in Benin city.
The Minister promised to put the winners of the tournament in the Ministry’s talent hunt sponsorship programme.
“Our aim is to see these young talents one day play at the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Championship,” he added.
In his speech,the Chairman of the Championship organising committee, Alhaji Bashari Muhammad Gumel assured that the tournament despite being the only National Tennis Championship in the whole Northern part of the country has come to stay,he however thanked all the players for participating in the tennis competition.
At the end of the tournament, 17-year old Ime Joseph won the Men Singles category while 16yr old Marylove Edward emerged victorious in the ladies single category.
