Kogi handball stakeholders call for overhaul in leadership structure

Handball stakeholders in Kogi State are calling for a comprehensive leadership reform within the state’s handball association to restore the sport’s prominence.

Addressing journalists after a visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, in his office in Lokoja on Tuesday, the stakeholders outlined the achievements and setbacks of Kogi State handball since its inception in 1991, saying there is a need for immediate change to revive the state’s handball culture.

They noted that Kogi State’s handball history includes significant accomplishments, from winning national underage tournaments in the 1990s to representing Nigeria in international competitions. Kogi’s under-15 boys’ team won gold in Italy in 1995, while local teams performed well in various national championships up until 2019.

However, the stakeholders noted a decline in participation and development initiatives, which they attribute to issues within the association’s leadership.

They revealed that since 2020, Kogi’s Confluence Stars, the state’s premier league team, has struggled to participate in the league due to financial constraints and a lack of support.

This situation, according to them, has led some players to seek opportunities with teams in other states, undermining team cohesion and player morale.

Additionally, the once-thriving Confluence Queens female team, which participated in national tournaments until 2020, has since been disbanded.

Stakeholders attribute much of the sport’s recent decline to the leadership of Mr. Jibril Saidu, the current chairman of Kogi State Handball Association. They allege that Mr. Saidu’s decision to withdraw sponsorship, along with personal conflicts, has prevented Kogi from participating in critical national events. This includes the under-12 and under-15 championships held in Sokoto over the past five years, where Kogi teams were notably absent.

In response to these challenges, the stakeholders called for the dissolution of the current board, citing a lack of effective leadership and commitment to the state’s handball development.

They propose the formation of a new board that will prioritise regional representation, involvement from former players, and individuals with strong sponsorship capabilities.

The stakeholders also endorsed Mr. Okpanachi Mark Ogah as the next chairman, describing him as a capable leader who they believe can restore Kogi State’s handball legacy within two years.

Speaking during the visit, His Royal Highness, Oba Luke Oludoyi from Isanlu, who is one of the handball stakeholders, appealed to the Commissioner to give them necessary support in making handball sporting activities in the state a laudable venture for the overall growth and progress of the State Sports Sector.

On his part, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah said he is ready to further the ideals of the stakeholders and rebirth a new and active handball sport in Kogi State.

He assured that if given the mandate, Kogi State handball team will take its rightful place again as champion.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, noted that the Kogi State Government is committed to ensuring that the sports sector in the state continues to receive the necessary support towards enhancing sporting activities in the state.

The Commissioner said under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, all sporting activities will be given adequate attention and support.

He called on members of the handball stakeholders in the state to be united and continue to promote the activities of the handball sport in the state.

Also present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of sports, Mr. Jibo Haruna Muhammed, the Director of Kogi State Sports Council, Mr. Onipe Obakachi, and other Directors of the Ministry.