Bauchi to build, refurbish existing sports facilities, says Gidado

Bauchi State will build new sports facilities and refurbish its existing infrastructure as part of its efforts to develop sports in the state, Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado, has disclosed.

Bauchi State, which used to be in the forefront of sports development in Nigeria, has in recent times been languishing in the backwaters due to ‘official neglect.’

The state finished in the 21st position at the Eko 2012 National Sports Festival, but Gidado says Bauchi is now poised to reclaim its position among the elite of Nigerian sports.

Speaking at the Yankari Games Resort and Safari, venue of the 2015 annual general meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Gidado revealed that the state had started taking stock of all the facilities in the state, adding, “we are looking at how how to use sports to empower our youths.”
“We showed our dedication to sports development with Wikki Tourists, which we worked hard to push from the lowly 21st position to finish fifth in the last Nigeria Premier League season.
“It is unfortunate that Bauchi suffered from negligence of governance, but we are already working to change the situation.”

Gidado revealed that state sees sports as a potential revenue earner, adding, “We are looking at sports tourism.
“We will upgrade facilities in the state, as well as adding sports and other recreational facilities to the Yankari Games Resort and Safari to attract more visitors and events to the state.”

He revealed that part of the strategy is to shore up the status of the Yankari Games Resort, “which was neglected by successive governments and very soon the changes will begin to yield dividends.”