By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
When I heard Ayo saying “se apada winni match yen?” a literary interpretation of “did we later win the match?” I was blown out of proportion to reconsider the statement. I had known Ayo as a brother at my country home for more than two decades — growing up together — and all I know him for about sports is to be a die-hard Arsenal fan. It was actually a week Arsenal licked the boot against Aston Villa. I was confident it could not be about the Gunners. Behold, when Doctor Ibrahim replied in affirmative, he was happy by saying ‘we are either first or second on the log.’
Which team could it be?! The Ayo I know would prefer Charlton Athletic from division two winning to Manchester United. So, why chanting United! United!! After a while, I got to know that Ayo was talking about Kwara United. This is a state-own football team playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but the sheer determination in this new season has been generating waves of happiness to the football lovers and the general sporting fraternity. Much thanks to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s led-administration for unflinching dedication to rebuilding Kwara with the Sports sector inclusive.
This is more than meet the eyes; there are many likes of Ayo who are now interested in following the updates of the Nigerian League, most especially, Harmony Boys’. I ascribe the current victory of the Harmony Boys to the texture of progressive policies and developmental initiatives, which, I say, are the hallmarks of Governor AbdulRazaq’s elixir in tackling the state’s matter. This is bringing honour and glory to the state; this marks for the state an era of development, victory and positive transformation. United’s triumph is a product of the tripod of trials, faith and commitment of the government in supporting the team — a sheer collective patriotism for the state.
One of the laudable achievements of the Governor in Kwara State, particularly in the area of Sports was the promotion of Kwara United Football Club into Nigeria’s top Flight League (NPFL) after their two consecutive years in the Lower Division. The promotion brought the most anticipated joy and happiness not only to the football lovers but the entire sporting fraternity who have been thirsty of seeing Harmony Boys playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League. The expectations of the stakeholders from Kwara United in terms of performance and sustenance of status quo in the current league season is very high considering their contributions towards their elevation and the team has not been disappointing as they are currently seating third on the log with an unbeaten record in the last 5-matches.
It is worth noting that, late last year, Kwara Adorable Angel Female Handball Team, after over 15 years of drought, won the first position trophy and other twelve laurels at the 2020 Prudent Energy Handball Premier League held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex, Abuja. Interestingly, 5 players of the team have been selected to represent the country. A plus for the state! Likewise, the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kwara State Swimming Pool at the Stadium Complex is a long overdue. In the news, Governor has approved the renovation of the basketball court in addition to the ongoing construction of World Class Table Tennis Hall, construction of Squash courts, renovation of Handball Courts, renovation of Swimming Pool within the Kwara Stadium Complex.
Mallam AbdulRazaq believes that Sports can also strengthen social relationships by bringing together people from different backgrounds and creating a sense of shared purpose and identity. Moreover, they can provide a productive outlet for young people, keeping them focused and engaged and boosting their self-esteem, thereby reducing their vulnerability to harmful social influences. And they can promote qualities like perseverance, teamwork, and leadership – the kinds of soft skills employers seek in job candidates – while even supporting gender equality.
The state had dominated the sports sector, especially the squash game, in the past, unfortunately, the decline in the state’s zeal and excellence in sports is tantamount to unavailability of facilities and other supports. This administration is working towards availing Kwara players having access to modern facilities and the existing facilities to be upgraded, for strong hopes abound that the state will be taking a lead position in the sports industry. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda is to commercialise sports to ignite and drive in an economic boost for the state. He has enlivened the young players and had an impact on their determination to thrive.
Thank you, His Excellency, you are truly a Sportsman who respects athletes. Indeed, the sports lovers are eternally grateful for your support and encouragement and for having revisited your apathy towards the sports sector. One way of doing this was by creating incentives for the athletes so that they do not have to leave the country in search of better opportunities. Your uncommon wits and brilliance as a leader are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. Under your watch, Kwara Sports is wearing new regalia.
