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Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lafia (2026)

27/05/2026

EID-AL-ADHA GREETINGS

On behalf of the entire Management and Staff of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, we extend our warmest congratulations to our warmest congratulations to our Muslim colleagues, partners, and to Muslims across the world on the auspicious occasion of Eid-al-Adha celebration.

May this celebration usher in profound peace, boundless joy, and enduring prosperity for you and your loved ones.

We honour the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that the occasion embodies, and we remain grateful for the diversity and richness these values bring to our organisation and society at large.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

For:

Permanent Secretary.

27/05/2026

21/05/2026

PERM. SEC. SASETU, HFN PRESIDENT, WATERBOARD BOSS DONATE KITS, BALLS TO NASARAWA STATE HANDBALL ASSOCIATION.

In a bid to support grassroots sports development, the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Saidu Jibril, and the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Dr. Ahmed Kana, on Wednesday, jointly presented sets of playing kits and match balls to the Nasarawa State Handball Association at a brief but eventful ceremony at the Lafia Square, Lafia.

The donation, framed as a deliberate intervention to accelerate the game's growth, is intended to bolster training standards and expand participation across the State's youth and senior ranks.

Speaking at the presentation, the Permanent Secretary, represented by the Ministry's Director of Sports Organizing, Mallam Uba Musa, noted that the gesture was his personal support to the team, with the hope of boosting their morale and ensuring that the athletes get identity and at par with their counterparts in other climes.

He added that the State Government would continue to be deliberate in the quest for sports development and provision of a conducive environment for sports to thrive.

"As a responsible Government, we would continue to work assiduously and in partnership with like minds to develop sports in the State and provide opportunities for our teaming youth to become productive."

On his part, President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Saidu Jibril, said Nasarawa State is his second home, describing his act as the fulfilment of a pre-election promise made to the State in appreciation of its decisive support for his emergence as a national president.

"I am glad to be home again. Nasarawa State has been my cardinal point.

"When I commenced my Presidential Electioneering Campaigns, Nasarawa State was my first point of visit, and I was highly received by the Management and Staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development led by the Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.

"In between my visit, I came in contact with the Head of Public Relations Office of the Ministry, Mr. Eche Amos, who incidentally, is the anchor of today's event.

"I first underrated him, but the wealth of knowledge and expertise coming out of this young man is just unbelievable.

"His contributions to my emergence as President of HFN through the Media were unquantifiable, and I must say Mr. Eche Amos is a great asset to Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

"Part of my pledges to the Commissioner and then Permanent Secretary should I win as President of the HFN was to make Nasarawa State my point of interest for support.

"I will ensure we host a Division One Handball championship on this court, including inviting some of the best handball teams in Nigeria to come for friendly games here.

"We will partner with the Nasarawa State Government to develop handball in the State and expose the athletes to national and international platforms."

The HFN President expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and leadership of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, for creating a serene and comfortable atmosphere for talent and infrastructural development.

General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board and a Member of the Board of the Nasarawa State Handball Association, Dr. Ahmed Kana, equally donated kits and balls to the State Handball team, charging them to ensure their proper and adequate usage.

The State Handball Team nicknamed 'Nasarawa Ambassadors', represented by Coach Usman Adamu and Team Captain, Sadiq Lawal, received the equipment with commendation, describing the gesture as a timely intervention that would directly enhance training capacity and competitive readiness.

Staff members from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, together with Staff of the Nasarawa State Water Board, and Technical Assistant to the HFN President, Abdulmunin Ibrahim, attended the event.

Highpoint of the event was a ceremonial in-house novelty match among the State's senior and junior handball teams.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

NASARAWA STATE FEMALE DUO CLINCH SILVER AT OPEN NATIONAL TAEKWONDO TRIALS, EARN CONTINENTAL CALL-UP.

Two female athletes from Nasarawa State, Mildred Monday and Laady Louisa, secured silver medals at the just-concluded Open National Taekwondo Trials held at the Alake Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State, from 13th-17th May, 2026.

The National Open Trials, convened by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation to identify Nigeria's most formidable exponents for international duty, featured elite contenders from 25 States and Clubs across the Federation.

Against a field marked by seasoned competitors and rising prospects, the Nasarawa State's representatives distinguished themselves with disciplined footwork, calibrated timing and tactical maturity beyond their years.

In the Females' Light Weight -57kg Category, Mildred Monday advanced through a gauntlet of bouts with measured aggression, dismantling opponents from Lagos, Osun, and Lagos States, respectively, with clean head kicks and counter-strikes.

She ultimately fell in the final to a narrow point margin to her opponent from Rivers State, Chidinma Okokon, yet her consistency and poise under pressure left the national selectors with little doubt.

Simultaneously, in the Female Feather Weight -57kg Category, Laady Louisa, exhibited exceptional defensive structure and explosive transitions, navigating the bracket with clinical efficiency, outsmarting her Lagos, Anambra, and Oyo States' opponents accordingly.

A hard-fought final contest ended in silver against Sandra Okpe from Ogun State, but her adaptability and ring intelligence quotient underscored as one of Nasarawa State's most promising talents.

With the feats, the duo has earned immediate selection for the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships to be held in Bamako, Mali later in the year.

Both Mildred Monday and Laady Louisa have entered an intensive national camp, where they will refine tactical systems and acclimatize to the heightened tempo of international competition

An elated Coach Lois Jerry of the Nasarawa State Taekwondo Association described the duo's performances at the trials as "validation of years of structured development and grassroots investment by the Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

She noted that both athletes had been elevated to the continental roster based not only on their podium finishes, but on their adherence to technical standards and competitive temperament observed throughout the trials.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for providing funds for the State's participation at the Open National Trials, while also appreciating the State's Ministry of Youth and Sports Development headed by the Honourable Commissioner, Kwanta Yakubu, for providing a conducive environment for sports people to thrive in the State.

Nasarawa State, the best performer from Northern Nigeria at the National Trials, ahead of Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, and Plateau States, finished 12th overall on the 25-team stiff trialists, as Ogun State emerged overall winners with four gold, three silver and three bronze medals respectively, followed by Osun State and Lagos State in 2nd and 3rd positions separately.

The African Taekwondo championship convenes Africa's leading practitioners in a contest for ranking points and qualification leverage.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

19/05/2026

12/05/2026

NASARAWA STATE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PLEDGES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE EXPO DELEGATION TO AMPLIFY STATE CULTURE, MUSIC AND FASHION ON THE GLOBAL STAGE.

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has resolved to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Expo delegation to harness culture as an engine of economic and reputational growth, and advance both organizations' shared mandate of projecting the State's cultural, musical and fashion identities to the world.

Commissioner for the Ministry, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, disclosed this on Monday during a high-level courtesy visit by the State Expo delegation to the Ministry in Lafia, where both parties convened to align on actionable strategies for cultural diplomacy and creative industry expansion.

Dr. Sasetu described the mission of the Nasarawa State Expo as a timely and indispensable complement to the Ministry's vision of positioning Nasarawa State as a nexus of youthful creativity and global cultural influence, saying "Whoever offers you their services, you should be glad to welcome them.

"As a Ministry, we don't want to be a burden to the Government but a source of support. We will do what is required of us as an Organisation to enable you achieve your set goals.

"I will brief the Honourable Commissioner about your visit, and how we can approach our youth-friendly Governor to make this forthcoming programme of yours a reality.

"All you need to do now is to formally write the Ministry and let's see where we can come in."

He noted that the Ministry views culture, music and fashion not as peripheral pursuits, but as strategic assets capable of driving tourism, youth employment, and foreign direct investment.

"As a Ministry, we stand with you in designing and executing initiatives that are both locally rooted and globally resonant, especially with the support of our Think-tank Team.

"Our goal is to ensure that the rhythm of our drums, the elegance of our fabrics, and the dynamism of our music become recognized signatures of excellence beyond our borders."

The Permanent Secretary further asserted that a synergy between the Government and the creative ecosystem is essential to rebranding the State's image and unlocking sustainable revenue streams from its intangible heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Team Lead and popular indigenous musician, Francis Mark Elayo, known by his stage name as 'VORGAN', said they are a conglomeration of creative youth, properly structured across the State, using creativity to project the image of the State in various ways, with the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Retired Justice Sidi Bage, as its Grand Patron.

He disclosed that the organisation is planning to stage a programme to mark the 30th anniversary of Nasarawa State's creation.

Francis sought sustainable partnership with the Ministry due to its openness, aimed at curating world-class exhibitions, festivals, and digital campaigns that showcase Nasarawa State's heritage with authenticity and sophistication, pledging to use platforms to project activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

He emphasized that the proposed collaboration would create structured platforms for emerging creatives to gain international exposure while preserving the integrity of the State's cultural narrative.

Directors of Administration and Supplies, Ms Helen Ken Madaki, and Youth Development, Mr. Jonathan Gabu, together with the Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Uchenna Umez, joined the Permanent Secretary in receiving the delegation at the latter's office.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

10/05/2026.

06/05/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR INDEFATIGABLE PERMANENT SECRETARY, DR. STEPHEN ILIYA SASETU.

Today, we join the hosts of heavens and retinue of well-wishers around the world to felicitate and rejoice with one of the rarest and most down-to-earth personalities, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, on the auspicious occasion of your birthday anniversary celebration.

Sir, you are an immeasurable asset, not only to the Ministry, but Nasarawa State, and wider society.

Your unblemished persona and quintessential aura for excellence set you apart in the comparison table of peers.

Continue to enjoy God's endless blessings and favour in all spheres of your life.

Congratulations, sir!

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT:

JONATHAN GABU TAKES OVER AS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AS MR. VIBA RETIRES FROM SERVICE.

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development today(Wednesday), formally ushered in a new era of youth-focused governance as a seasoned administrator and policy strategist, Mr. Jonathan Gabu, assumed office as the substantive Director of Youth Development.

The assumption follows the retirement of the former Director, Mr. Joseph Haruna Viba, from the Nasarawa State Civil Service, who stepped down after years of dedicated service due to protracted ill health.

The Ministry, in a brief but dignified handover ceremony held at the Department of Youth Development Office, paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Director for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, despite mounting health challenges.

In his inaugural remarks, the new Director, Mr. Jonathan, who until his recent elevation, was Deputy Director of Youth Development, pledged to build on the foundation of his predecessor while injecting fresh aura into youth policy implementation, skills acquisition, and job creation initiatives across the State.

Gabu stated thus, "This is not merely a change of office, but a renewal of purpose.

"Our youth are the State's most valuable asset, and it is imperative upon us to transform their potential into productivity, their dreams into dividends.

"As the youngest member of the Management, I will open myself to learning and positively impacting, with the expectations of meeting the set goals of the Ministry and Government of Nasarawa State.

"I thank my outgoing Director for always leading us through the path of administrative excellence, despite myriads of challenges.

"We will definitely miss his leadership qualities and guidance. However, I wish him a happy retirement in sound health and vitality."

Earlier, the outgone Director appreciated the Honourable Commissioner, Kwanta Yakubu, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, Management Members and entire Staff of the Ministry for the support accorded him throughout his service years, assuring to sustain the relationship already established.

Delivering the message of the Permanent Secretary, Director of Administration and Supplies, Ms Helen Ken Madaki, congratulated the outgoing Director for his dedication to the State and the Civil Service.

She described the transition as seamless and timely, emphasizing that the Ministry remains resolute in advancing the State's youth agenda through innovation, inclusivity and measurable impact.

Management Members and other Staff Members of the Ministry were present to witness the handover, as the Youth Department's Staff presented an appreciation souvenir to the outgoing Director.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

HON. KWANTA YAKUBU AT NASARAWA STATE INVESTMENT SUMMIT.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, joined his principal and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, alongside the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Nasarawa Investment Summit, 2026.

06/05/2026

GOVERNOR SULE HONOURED AS MAIDEN ANOSAPU OF AGBASHI OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP CLIMAXES WITH MULTIPLE WINNERS.

Gold, silver, and bronze found new owners on Friday, 1st May, 2026, as the curtains fell on the maiden ANOSAPU of Agbashi Lafia Open Badminton Championship, a landmark tournament organized by a serving Military Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Isaiah Ose for teams domiciled in Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital, held at the Lafia City Hall, now renamed Lafia Sports Arena.

The championship which began on Thursday, 30th April, witnessed electrifying competition among the Lafia-based elite clubs, including Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic Badminton Club, The Cathedral Badminton Club, Federal University of Lafia Badminton Club and Nigeria Air Force Badminton Club, with winners, runners-up and bronze medalists emerging across all categories.

In a gripping Men's Singles' finale, IMAP's Paul Chiviter won the gold medal after overpowering Kuje Joseph of Cathedral Badminton Club 2-0. Representatives of NAF and FULafia Badminton Clubs settled for bronze medal each.

In the Mixed Doubles' Category, NAF Badminton Club scooped the gold medal ahead of IMAP.

In the Men's Doubles' Category, the duo of Peter Baka and Dr. Salihu of FULafia defeated Peejaay Telzin and Kamarrudeen Aminu of IMAP to win the gold medal. Bulus Evelyn and Ahmed Nagogo of NAF Badminton Club defeated Akuanyi Everest and Pastor Joseph Ndigbo 2-1 to win the gold medal in the Mixed Doubles' Category ahead of IMAP Badminton Club.

Medals and prizes were also given to legends of the sport.

Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, alongside other notable personalities, was honoured with an award as 'PILLAR OF SPORTS AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT for championing sports and talent development in Nasarawa State and beyond' by the sponsor of the championship.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and further represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, the Governor declared the championship closed at a medal presentation ceremony, saying.

"This is what purposeful leadership looks like. Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Isaiah Ose has shown us that one can defend the nation's borders, and at same time, expand the boundaries of opportunity for our youth.

"Indeed, this successful maiden edition of the Badminton Championship has set a new standard for sports development in our State.

"As a responsible Government, we shall ensure that talents discovered here are given higher opportunities to explore their potential, beyond the podium.

"There are plans underway to renovate the Lafia Sports Arena to attract more sporting activities.

"We are working to expand the number of sports we have under the Ministry from 22 to more attractive and competitive ones."

Other award recipients included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, as CHAMPION OF GRASSROOTS SPORTS; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu(OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Award); Director of Sports Organizing, Mallam Uba Musa as CUSTODIAN OF SPORTING EXCELLENCE; SSA to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Moyi Ibrahim received the Award of Selfless Service; Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Eche Amos, as VOICE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP, and God'spower Ede as VOICE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP, respectively.

Sponsor of the tournament, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Isaiah Ose, disclosed that he decided to stage the tournament to support Government in its efforts to develop sports in the State and give opportunity to talents to become successful in their chosen sports career.

He noted that he would collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government to host an expanded statewide tournament in honour of Governor Abdullahi Sule before the middle of this year.

Highpoint of the closing ceremony was the joint-unveiling of a new official logo and brand identity, 'SOLID MINERS BADMINTON CLUB', for the Nasarawa State badminton team, which according to the championship convener, symbolizes identity, speed, precision and the ascent of new champions.

Lieutenant Colonel Ose expressed profound gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as well as other partners, for ensuring a hitch-free event.

Eche Amos
(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports.

01/05/2026

06/05/2026

NASARAWA STATE CLINCHES 3RD NATIONAL DEAF FOOTBALL CROWN AS COMMISSIONER RECEIVES TROPHY, AWARDS.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, on Tuesday, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, Director of Sports, Mallam Uba Musa, as well as other top officials of the Ministry, formally received the Champions' trophy and a haul of individual awards won by the State's team who successfully defended its title at the recently concluded 6th edition of the National Deaf Football Tournament held in Jos, Plateau State, from 19th-29th April, 2026.

Speaking at the brief reception in his office, the Commissioner lauded the team's consistency and commitment, saying, "This third title in six editions is not accidental. It reflects sustained investment in our athletes and the unflinching spirit of our deaf football team and administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule for youth and sports development in Nasarawa State.

While congratulating the team for the milestone and making the State proud at the national level, the Commissioner promised to inform the Governor about the development and present series of trophies won by the State's Deaf Football Team to him at the Government House as a way to boost the morale of the players and their coaches.

The Permanent Secretary echoed the same sentiment, noting that the achievement underscores the State's commitment to engendering equal opportunity to its citizens through sports.

Nasarawa State defeated Kaduna State by 2-0 in the final, becoming the most dominant side of the championship, having also won it in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

Fourteen States participated in this year's edition of the championship.

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

05/05/2026

04/05/2026

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE PASSING OF OUR U-13 & U-15 COACH, YUSUF BAKO OPA(a.k.a RINGO).

With profound grief and heavy hearts, we received the news of the passing of a father, mentor, and architect of dreams - our cherished State U-13 and U-15 Coach, Yusuf Bako Opa, popularly known as 'Coach Ringo', who departed this life at a hospital in Lafia following a protracted illness bravely borne.

2. Words falter in the face of such loss, for how does one measure the silence left behind by a man whose voice once summoned greatness from dusty fields?

3. 'Ringo' was more than a coach. He was the first believer in countless young talents who arrived with scraped knees and left with discipline, purpose, and the unshakeable conviction that they, too, could become champions.

4. Through seasons of sun and storm, Coach Ringo laboured not for applause, but for legacy. The players he raised - many now wearing national and professional colours, lifting trophies, and feeding their families through the beautiful game - are all his living epistles.

5. Every clean tackle, every decisive pass, every goal celebrated from village pitches to international and professional stadiums will forever bear his invisible fingerprints.

6. To his immediate family, we mourn with you , yet we cannot pretend to carry the full weight of your sorrow.

7. You lent him to us, to Nasarawa State, to generations of young people who now stand taller because he first knelt to lace their boots.

8. May you find solace in knowing that your loss is shared by hundreds of homes,academies, and stadiums where his name will be spoken with reverence for decades to come.

9. To his loved ones, indeed, the whistle has sounded for the last time, but the match he started continues. His tactics were simple - faith, hard work, humility - and they have become the book for lives transformed.

10. Heaven has, indeed, gained a master tactician; we have lost a guardian potential.

11. As we entrust the late 'Coach Ringo' to the eternal rest he has earned, we pray that the Almighty Allah will comfort everyone affected by his passing, including holding you close, bind up your wounds and grant you peace that surpasses understanding.

12. May his memory be a blessing, his legacy a torch, and his soul a proof to a life excellently played.

13. Rest in victory, Coach Ringo the Great!!!

Signed:

Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development

04/05/2026

Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development

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