Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Saturday tasked the leadership of the Nigeria National League, NNL, to continue promoting fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in its operations so as to encourage the growth of football at the grassroots.
Speaking while declaring open the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria National League in Bauchi, the Governor noted that it is essential to give a level playing field for all participating clubs, regardless of their size or resources, as such will not only foster healthy competition but also strengthen the credibility of the League.
Bala, who was represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, said that a well-structured and fair football league system can serve as a tool for unity, social integration, and youth empowerment and emphasised the need for the Nigeria National League to remain steadfast in upholding the values of integrity and sportsmanship in all its dealings.
Acknowledging the vital role the Nigerian second tier plays in the development of football in the country, Mohammed observed that, through nurturing young talents and providing a competitive platform for clubs across the country, the League has contributed significantly towards building the future of Nigerian football.
He urged the NNL officials to remain committed to supporting sports activities by creating an enabling environment for youth engagement through football and other sporting activities.
He said, “Today’s gathering is not only a testament to the importance of the Nigerian National League in nurturing talents and promoting football at the grassroots level, but is a reminder of the unifying power of sports in our country. We are proud to host such an important meeting that brings together key drivers of the second-tier league, which has over the years contributed immensely to the development of Nigerian football.”
Bala commended the leadership of the league body for commitment to excellence and for continually striving to uphold the standards of football in the country.
“The NNL has been a pillar of grassroots football, fostering local talents and ensuring that the spirit of competition remains vibrant across all regions. I am confident that the deliberations and resolutions of the 2024 NNL Annual General Meeting will pave the way for a brighter and more successful Nigerian National League,” he noted.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria National League, George Aluo, said, “The board is committed to providing a level playing ground for all the teams, and stakeholders must key into the ongoing reforms in the league in order to achieve the desired objectives.”