Date: 2014-09-27

The Kwara Government on Friday reiterated its resolve to embrace the Public/Private Partnership approach to develop and promote sports in the state. The Kwara Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said this at the launching of an endowment fund for the first state sports summit in Ilorin. Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said that his government was committed to transforming sports using the summit as a multidimensional approach. He said that his government would collaborate with the private sector to achieve the desired results.

The Kwara governor assured stakeholders in the state's sports sector that the endowment fund would be judiciously spent for their benefit.

Also speaking, Mr Tamuno Danagogo, the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), said that the commission would mobilise the general public to help develop sports in Nigeria.

Danagogo, who was represented by the Director, Grassroots Development, Malam Alhassan Yakmut, lauded the state government for its initiative and emphasised the need to use sports to positively engage youths.

Over N13 million was realised at the launching of the endowment fund with N10 million coming from Sterling Bank.

Awards were given to sports personalities including one time African ping-pong champions, Coach Kasali Lasisi and the late Super Eagles player, Rasheed Yekini.

(NAN)